God has uniquely wired every human on the planet. No two people are alike. Everyone has something about them no one else has or could ever imitate exactly.
It’s a great joy to discover that gift in yourself. The people who’ve done it live purposeful, satisfying lives. Not always. It’s possible to squander a gift. But, by and large, when we find that “thing” which makes us tick, which makes our soul stand on its tiptoes, it’s difficult to set it down.
There’s a couple who own and operate a coffee shop in my town. They travel the country (and world) competing in barista competitions and doing whatever coffee people do at such events. Yes, they’re nerds. But they’re also a gift to the coffee connoisseurs in our region.
A cursory conversation with the husband reveals very little about his love for coffee. But ask him a question about roasting beans or the difference between nitro cold brew and espresso, and you’re in for a real treat, and an education to boot.
He spends his working hours mastering the art of coffee. He’s done so for years. In his words, he and his wife are on mission to create “the best coffee in the world.” How’s that for an aspiration?
This gentleman knows more about the science of coffee than any consumer needs to know. And he’s willing to share his knowledge with anyone interested in listening. Somehow, when he shares his excitement, his knowledge, his secret, something special is added to the beverage drinking experience. Coffee just tastes better when you understand the love, care, and science behind it.
God intended our gifts to be a blessing to others. Those unique, almost supernatural knacks people possess are best suited for giving away, not keeping close to the chest.
Imagine walking into the coffee shop I just described and asking questions about their best practices. What if they refused to share anything with you for fear of giving up their success secrets? From a worldly perspective, such a response makes sense. After all, this couple is trying to make a living doing what they love. Giving away their wisdom could produce another shop in town that competes with theirs and, potentially, outperforms—jeopardizing their way of life.
Yet from an eternal, kingdom perspective, it makes perfect sense to give all the information away to inquiring minds. Nothing we have truly belongs to us anyway, right? We are stewarding the gifts God has given for his glory and the good of others.
What is it for you? What comes so naturally that when others praise it, you’re a bit confused because it feels ordinary? It may be hospitality. Maybe it’s tinkering or fixing things. Perhaps you’re great at remembering people’s names or details about their lives.
Chances are, whatever your thing is, it won’t make you famous, give you a platform, increase the numbers in your bank account, or provide some form of flattery. But I’m convinced it can give you joy if you share it with others.
Give your secrets away. Don’t hold them back.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
—Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)
When we keep our gifts to ourselves, we fail to live into their full potential. When we hold them close, we miss out on the delight they bring to our lives. Only in giving them in service to others do we find their truest potential for joy, blessing the world, and magnifying Christ.
Life is not about us. It’s not about our gifts, secrets of success, ability to execute, or anything else the world values.
The Bible says we should share with the Lord’s people who are in need, practicing hospitality (Romans 12:13). Or, in other words, we should give our secrets away.
It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s always and forever about Jesus. Therefore, we should give our secrets away.
Imagine a world full of such people. Imagine a world where everyone shared what they had without worrying about self-interest. Can you envision the impact of local churches on communities if they lived this stuff out? My guess is it would look a lot like heaven.
Daniel Seabaugh 
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