One of the ways many of us Christians can be tempted to hide our light is by comparing our gifts with those of others. I see the singer who pours out beautiful, heartfelt songs of worship and praise, and I wonder what my squeaky voice can do compared with that. I hear the powerful words of a pastor or speaker, or someone who really knows the Bible, and my words and testimony feel weak. I am in awe of someone who leads a charity or does impactful acts in a community, and my impact feels so small.
My gifts are quiet gifts. They feel a lot like “second-fiddle gifts” such as supporting the people who shine, encouraging the people who lead, and serving behind the scenes. The minute I belittle my gifts and think they’re not helpful is the minute our collective testimony gets a bit weaker, our light begins to flicker. And this has happened to me more times than I care to admit.
Scripture speaks to this:
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6).
“Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called” (1 Corinthians 7:20 NKJV).
“If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Corinthians 12:19–20).
To God, all of our gifts are significant and impactful. In fact, the way we have the biggest impact is when we use our gifts, even the quiet ones, to the best of our ability. Our gifts are meant to be used in concert with others, all harmonizing and supporting each other. In an orchestra each instrument matters, each sound is needed to complete the experience. An orchestra of only violins, all playing the same notes in the same key, is nowhere near as impactful as all the different strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion instruments coming together to fully create the symphony.
So, I challenge you to use your quiet gifts “out loud.” You are part of God’s big, beautiful orchestra. The notes you’re called to play matter. Remember, the sound of the piccolo does not come from the violin.