I conducted this survey about 2 years ago and I wanted to see if the results would be the same or different.
I conducted it on both secular and Christ-centered audiences and receieved surprising results.
Here goes:
“What Role Does God Play Concerning Your Talent?”
A) “My artistic ability is a gift from God.”
B) “God has nothing to do with my artistic talent.”
C) “Not really sure.”
Share your feedback .
Replies
A) “My artistic ability is a gift from God.” 43%
B) “God has nothing to do with my artistic talent.” 43%
C) “Not really sure.” 14%
Here's the results to date from a Christian site (my blog):
A) “My artistic ability is a gift from God.” 86%
B) “God has nothing to do with my artistic talent.” 0%
C) “Not really sure.” 14%
And yet, in Joshua 1:3 we read that God said, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses."
Joshua's efforts didn't nullify the fact the land was given to him. Likewise, the things we do to bring to maturity a gift given by God does not make us the author of the gift in any way -- it's simply the means God has given us by which we shall possess the inheritance/gift/talent.
As with good works befitting repentance (Acts 26:20), we are not the author of those works. Instead, in Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
The learning, studying, and practicing time one puts into developing a talent is part of his entering into works prepared beforehand by God. the Author of every good work.
God bless!
Lee