ALL, in reality, are talented. Christian Science discloses the fallacy of the common belief that some individuals have special talents while others have none. A dictionary gives the following synonyms for "talent": "ability, . . . gift, endowment." Many have believed themselves handicapped because they have seemed not to be especially gifted or endowed with any unusual ability, when in reality all are abundantly talented. On page 522 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," referring to the two records of creation given in Genesis, Mrs. Eddy says, "The first record assigns all might and government to God, and endows man out of God's perfection and power." Man endowed "out of God's perfection and power"! What a marvelous endowment or talent when considered in the light of another of our Leader's statements (p. 393), "Nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man"!
God endows man with the ability to express His "perfection and power." This spiritual ability to reflect the divine Mind is everyone's God-given talent. The relationship between God and man is illustrated by the reflection of an object in a mirror. Every action of the object is perfectly manifested in the reflection. So does man reflect every quality and activity of the divine Mind, God. On page 6 of Science and Health we read: "God is not separate from the wisdom He bestows. The talents He gives we must improve." Our Godgiven talent of expressing divine intelligence must be improved, must be exercised. What one knows of Mind, God, is learned through thinking God's thoughts. In righteousness, or correct spiritual thinking, is found the only indication of one's knowledge of God. By reflecting God's pure, constructive thoughts, one utilizes his supreme spiritual talent.
Man's endowment is by reflection; therefore he possesses nothing of his own apart from God. In realizing this truth, we are accepting a stewardship which promises ever greater opportunities and responsibilities in the measure of proved faithfulness. Through purified, constructive thinking one proves his stewardship, realizes more "of God's perfection and power." Jesus admonished his hearers, "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."
