Is there a difference between a talent and a spiritual gift?

While every person is born with a natural talent, only believers have spiritual gifts. Whether with talents or spiritual gifts, believers are called to glorify God and use these gifts and talents to edify others.

what does the bible say?

Talents are abilities that everyone is born with. A person can be a good athlete, craftsman, musician, artist, writer, or mathematician. These are natural talents. They still need to be developed, but they come naturally to people. We can glorify God with our talents, but talents can also be things we enjoy for ourselves. For example, an excellent reader can enjoy reading and just read for enjoyment or they can read and glorify God by thanking Him for the gift, using what they learn to teach others, or share in community the love of reading. Spiritual gifts, on the other hand, are purposely given to edify the church and glorify God. While natural talents and spiritual gifts are often related, spiritual gifts are different in that they are given and empowered by the Holy Spirit to believers to strengthen the church and to be used in conjunction with the gifts of other believers. Spiritual gifts include preaching, teaching, administration, hospitality, giving, and service. First Corinthians 12—14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:11-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 all address spiritual abilities in a special way separate from natural talents. These gifts can combine with our talents and are to be used for the benefit of the church and the glory of God.

from the old testament

Being created in God’s image means we have abilities to offer the world (Genesis 1:27).
Oholiab and Bezalel had natural talents in smithing and fabric work but were given spiritual giftings in the accomplishment of their work in building the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5).
David used his talent for music to soo the King Saul (1 Samuel 16:23).
David used his talent with the sling to kill Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37, 49).
Nehemiah used his abilities to govern Jerusalem and rebuild the wall of the temple (Nehemiah 2:17-18; Nehemiah 6:15).

from the new testament

Lydia used her ability as a “seller of purple goods” to support the ministry of Paul and his associates (Acts 16:14-15).
The church is one body with many members using different gifts together (Romans 12).
All believers are given a spiritual gift to be used to edify the church and to glorify God especially as the body of Christ comes together to use those gifts (1 Corinthians 12:6-7).
We are to use our talents and our spiritual gifts to honor God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
All believers are given gifts to equip each other and build each other up (Ephesians 4:11-16).
We use our gifts in service to each other (1 Peter 4:10-11).

implications for today

Natural talents and spiritual gifts are closely related. A believer with a musical talent may also have the spiritual gift of encouragement and can use music to encourage and inspire people to grow closer to the Lord. A person who is a talented organizer may also be a Christian who has the gift of leadership and can oversee Christian activities in a way that grows believers and reaches unbelievers.Both natural talents and abilities given by God can and should be used to honor God. First Corinthians 10:31 notes, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The ability to cook, sing, build houses, farm, teach children, work in engineering, serve in medical fields, and other talents are all God-given abilities that can be used to honor Him. While unbelievers can use these abilities for good, believers in Christ are further called to use these abilities, along with spiritual gifts, for the glory of God and to serve others. Seeking our spiritual gifts through prayer, reflection, asking for others’ wisdom in what they see in our lives as gifts and talents, and study (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7) helps us discover how to contribute to the body of Christ and use our gifts and talents for God’s glory and others’ good.

Recap

understand

Talents are natural abilities everyone has, while spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to believers.
Spiritual gifts are specifically for building up the church, though both talents and gifts can glorify God.
Believers should use both spiritual gifts and talents to serve others and build others up.

reflect

What natural talents or spiritual gifts do you have, and how have you seen opportunities to use them to glorify God?
How are you led by the Holy Spirit to use your spiritual gifts to encourage or strengthen others, especially in your local church?
What connections do you see between your talents and spiritual gifts and the way you can use them to build up the church and to serve those around you?

engage

How can we recognize the difference between a natural talent and a spiritual gift in our own lives?
In what ways can our talents and spiritual gifts complement each other to better serve the church community and reflect Christ?
How can we encourage each other to discover and use both our talents and spiritual gifts for God’s glory?