By Diane Faison McKinzie

Isn’t it wonderful, what God has given each one of us? Every person has been given a talent, and we must use our talents for the good of glorifying God. Song, dance, art, and drama are all talents that some of us are blessed to have. Each one of these talents can be used as a ministry.

Psalm 149:3 says, “Let them praise His name with dancing!” I feel that when the body moves in rhythms of praise and joy, the dancer’s body is moving with God’s Holy Spirit flowing through him or her. It is a gift!

I Corinthians 11:1 says “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” That imitating refers to acting out His stories. As a person who has been given the talent of drama, I feel that I am portraying my character with the emotions and the Spirit engulfing my mind and body, projecting that Spirit to my audience. Having the foundation of my performance built on Christ, it becomes my ministry. It is a gift!

Sing His praise! The gift of music and song releases melodic worship from our hearts and bodies to God. Psalm 69:30 says, “I will praise the name of God with song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Those that are gifted with a voice to sing can really become ministers to others through song. Music not only springs from a person’s voice, but some are blessed with a talent through their hands to produce beautiful sounds from instruments, to fill our hearts with joyful sounds. It is a gift! Our Father has given song to the birds of the air, and you are of more value to him than the birds, so if God has gifted you with a song, then the music being produced by your voice or hands is a talent, so don’t waste or withhold your gift.

In the same way, a picture or work of art can speak a person’s mental voice, sharing a more understandable message when words cannot suffice.  The creation of works of art is a gift few possess. If you are blessed with this gift, use it to recreate on paper, in clay, on canvas, in stone or glass the beauties of God’s world. Think of the art creations that have told a story of God such as the statue of Madonna of Bruges (Virgin and Child) or even the beautiful stained glass windows of a church. There are many more examples; far too many for me to name.

In summary, be it in drama, music, dance, or art, these are all gifts from our Father God: unwrap those gifts to uplift His name.