Credit Where Credit Is Due

A commentary by Randy Shoemaker

Who gets the credit for God’s gifts in today’s world?

At the Grammy Awards on Feb. 8 the top musical artists of America received credit for the work that they had accomplished. But would God be proud of most of their work? And who gets the credit for their gifts of talent?

I thought about these questions as I watched the All Access Grammy special hosted by CBS news anchor Katie Couric. Each performer’s interview focused on his or her talents and success in life. While there’s nothing wrong with being impressed with others or recognizing their strengths, what about focusing on why people have those abilities in the first place?

Watching the interviews, I noticed that God was mentioned only once, but not as a real key to success. The stars didn’t seem to recognize that it was God who gave them their musical gifts.

But in fact, our Creator has given us everything we have, all our talents and even the ability to enjoy the accomplishments He makes possible: “Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:13).

In an interview with Justin Timberlake, Couric asked about the key to his success as a pop artist, performer, producer, actor and clothing designer. “Staying a fan of life is the key to my success,” he replied. Why is society so focused on inner personal achievement rather than inner divine achievement?

In her interview Katy Perry stated, “I’m so blessed to have grown up in the church—it began my singing career. Knowing this gives me a communion with God when I sing.” She added, “I believe in faith, and I believe it’s pure.” But it is one thing to profess faith; it is another entirely to act on it. Unfortunately, Perry’s actions don’t reflect much of a foundation in God—for example, consider the song she sang last year, titled “I Kissed a Girl.”

In the last interview, Taylor Swift—whom Couric called “practically perfect”—ascribed her success to her drive to help her listeners better understand the struggles of life. While this seemed to be the best thought throughout the entire show, I still wondered, why not focus on the One who created us and truly understands our struggles? His love and His plans for us truly are perfect. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

To learn more about putting your God-given talents to work, read “Ladies and Gentlemen, May I Have Your Attention, Please?”

How much better would it be if the whole world acknowledged God for the gifts that He gives us, instead of seeking only success for self? “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven” (John 3:27). Vertical thinking reminds us to give God honor when we are recognized for our talents. VT