Last night on an OETA television program, Red Skelton made a comment very similar to this: “Our talents are our gifts from God. The use of our talents is our gift to God.” Rush Limbaugh often describes himself along these lines: “With talent on loan from God.” The statements by these two entertainers reflect humility and their desire to honor God by using their talents in ways that will benefit others.
In Parkhurst Ponders, I will attempt to use some of the talents that I have “on loan from God” in ways that will encourage people to think along with me and use their talents in ways that, perhaps, they have not thought of before.
Socrates and Plato encouraged people to think by asking questions (and not always by easily giving the answers at the end of their discussions). In my teaching and writing, I enjoy asking questions and hearing the answers people give. Over the years, I have learned a lot from others by asking the right (and sometimes confusing) questions. In my International Bible Lessons and Easy Bible Lessons, I ask questions and provide questions that Bible teachers can use to help their class think and learn.
Asking good questions can be a talent that we can develop. Perhaps the ability to ask questions is one of those talents that you have, but you have never thought of the ability as a talent. Maybe, today, you can start to develop even more your ability to ask questions, learn from others, and help others learn in thinking and talking about your questions.
