# 140 07/01/02 Understanding our gifts from God

It is important that we teach our children to recognize that their abilities are gifts from God. A child who has this perspective will learn humility and acceptance of differences among people. It is far different than viewing the gift as something he has earned through his own efforts.

First, we must teach humility. All of us have had the experience of knowing someone who constantly brags about what she can do or has done. Our reaction to such a person is to avoid her. Only with a humble spirit can we use our gifts effectively to reach other people.

Paul, who had so many God-given gifts, was very humble about those gifts. He always gave all the credit to Christ: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Because of his humility, people could respond to his message. His confidence in his testimony was so strong that he might have caused people to respond negatively had it not been coupled with great humility.

Second, we must teach our children that God gives each person the gift that is exactly right for him. There are certain gifts that are more highly esteemed by the general population. For example, among high school students, athletic ability is considered a high priority. We must help our children realize that whatever gift God gives is the right gift. Sometimes that requires a change of attitude on the part of a parent. To the father who dreams of his son being a high school athlete, it is a test of his love to accept unconditionally the son whose gift is in a different field.

By teaching our children that God gifts each person differently, we can teach them tolerance of those who are less capable. I have heard so many students express intolerance of the classmate who had to struggle to understand a math concept or to “get it right” during a band performance. They believe that the other student just needs to work harder. They have not learned that their own giftedness in that area is what makes it easy for them.

By teaching our children that all abilities come to them as gifts from God, we are starting them down a pathway of humility, self-acceptance and tolerance of others. Those characteristics enhance God-given gifts to the point that there will be no limits on what your child will be able to accomplish.