Gifted and talented

In a thread, it was mentioned about gifts, and in particular the rejection of the charismatic, I wonder if it might be profitable for the BB to again revisit this topic.

I will start by referring the reader to the long used portion of the Corinthian letter which Paul says, "Though I speak with the tongues of ...."

First, these are actual languages. The languages of this earth and that language of the angelic, in which others of that land pr place readily understand. For example, if I could speak a Celtic tongue, would it be profitable in trying to communicate the gospel to South Americans without an interpreter?

Second, the language is translatable, by others of that group. That is, scholars can translate and verify the translation, and not just a single person. Therefore the communication is not just a private communication, but that done to more than one. Just as men is plural, the translators indicate consistency by making angels plural, although the original may also be singular. It is important to stress one does not pray to angels, but to God. So such a language as the angels use is not a private conversation of unique code, but open source.

Paul goes on to emphasize the prominence and character of love in this chapter, and I find it remarkable that in general that emphasis is ignored, and treated as unimportant by those who desire to push something anointed or signify something ordained as a gift, placing them as special or marked for better use. What should be emphasized is largely ignored in favor of what is doubtful.

I will post more on this as the thread bears.

 

An area in which I was assigned as a teacher was to those who were gifted and talented. One may be both, or one may be gifted and not talented, or not gifted and yet talented.

It was often shown in the classroom how the gifted students would take it upon themselves to aid the non-gifted yet talented in the classroom, and the same with the talented supporting those not so talented yet gifted. The breakdown would often occur when a group of students were introduced that were neither gifted nor talented, and who more often were resentful of the gifts and talents rather than receptive. Mockery, snide remarks, bullying, and disruptive behaviors would soon slow progress, and corrective measures became the rule rather than the occasion.

What Paul does in the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians is show a more excellent way for the gifted and talented to conduct themselves.

Paul indicates that this dilemma should be met by showing that the overriding principle is not the talent and not the gift but the every moment benefit that talent and gift should be to others. The resentment, the push back by others neither gifted or talented were because of the perception that some group was more privileged, and in some way elected to the status of elite and had somehow made the ones not gifted or talented less fortunate, more peasantry.

What Paul shows, among other things, is that the gifted and talented should have the overriding principle of proving their care and concern in real character. That the push backs are met not with haughtiness, but with such character as to disarm resistance and demonstrate desire to work together.

Paul declares that the gifts and talents are worthless in the mind and hands of those who are narcissistically inclined, despite the artistic or academic ability. The gifts and talents will serve to puff up, or to lift up. Puff up to the narcissist, but lift up to the servant.

Paul considers the non-gifted and talented as needed to lift up. Therefore, "not taking into an account a wrong suffered," or "does not brag and is not arrogant" and "patient, kind, not jealous" are all attributes the truly gifted and talented need to develop.

Too often, unnecessarily proud parenting has interfered to the point that attempting to explain this is lost, because the talented and gifted have taken on the mindset of being elite. Yet, were often at a loss if presented with a skill others may have that they were not capable to quickly mastering. Leaving them open for more ridicule, and resentment building.

There is no joy in unrighteousness, no confidence in untruthfulness, and certainly no foundation for belief and hope in what does not endure but is but catastrophic failure waiting for opportunity.

More next time.

 

Some do not realize that there is a difference between one being smart, even brilliant, and one being gifted.

The gifted person has that spark of thinking that can easily transfer information and learning across multiple disciplines. They also are extremely aware of their surroundings and the interactions of all the particulars. More often, the gifted are unconcerned with fitting in, rather are most comfortable in the freedom of choosing. This does not mean that the gifted are not structured. Just the opposite.

The truly gifted thrive in structure. Knowing what is expected and the criterion of exceeding to excellence is one of the comfort factors of those truly gifted. In many ways, the rigor of the academic is not just the challenge, but the goal of success within the structured environment invigorates them.

A biblical example of a gifted person is found in Paul. His zeal, his drive, his educational attainment are all patterns that fit within one who is gifted.

So, in 1 Corinthians 13, when writing of the gift of Love, it is not just that Paul is acknowledging awareness, but actually expressing his own achievement, and just what is expected of all believers.

It is important that believers know what is the most important and emphasized gift. It is Love.

It is important that believers know the expectations associated with the emphasized gift.

And, it is important that the structure and parameters (how to manifest) of the gift is to be realized.

Paul set some very high expectations for the gift of love in 1 Cor. 13.

Who can say love is not jealous in the midst of betrayal?

Who can not be provoked in the heat of a debate or discussion?

Paul is certainly setting the hallmarks of Love exceedingly high.

And, believers are expected to attain that standard.

For all believers are to be gifted in this Love, and 1 Cor. 13 is not merely presenting a pattern of suggestions, but exactly what such a gift entails.

Next up, when gifts fail.