According to a study of 350,000 people, four out of five have jobs that don't match their abilities. The survey also suggests that the most commonly used guidelines for hiring, like education and experience, are of little value in predicting how well an applicant will do in a particular position. What makes a person either fit or unfit for a job are the inner aptitudes for certain types of work.

The right kind of giftedness is also essential to our effectiveness in the Lord's work. Secondary factors such as talent and experience have their place. But God, through the Holy Spirit, supernaturally endows every Christian with unique spiritual gifts to serve His church (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12). We function best and accomplish the most for the Lord when we do what we've been gifted to do. It's fruitless and frustrating to try to be something we are not.

God wants each of us to discover and confirm our gifts. Some of us might feel uncomfortable talking about our strengths, but these are not abilities we can take credit for. The Creator Himself has put these gifts within us to benefit others and to fulfill His purposes.

Having discovered our gifts, let's offer them back to God and build up His church by doing the right job.    — Mart De Haan