God has given you unique gifts, and He wants you to use them—whether it’s through music, art, or simple acts of love! 🎨🎶

In our latest podcast, my son Bo and I talk about embracing creativity with “less fear.”

We also talk about his new worship song (out now!) called Purify. Here’s a link to listen to his song. Let us know what you think! (He’d really love your feedback… but be gentle, he says!… it’s his first worship song he’s released to the world.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHlkTZ1wVF4

Here’s the link to watch our full podcast. You can also read the highlights in the text below the video.
https://youtu.be/6QSEcW2hs0Y

And here’s the Bible passage we were talking about today… if you read nothing else, read this!

Jesus said, “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.” (Matthew 25:14-18).

But if you want to read more, here’s a summary of our chat. But I suggest watching the whole podcast just for fun! Enjoy our “Breakfast on the Beach”… with us and Jesus! (And if you like it, like and subscribe so you’ll get more!)

Discovering Your Unique Talents
God has placed talents and gifts inside each of us. When we recognize them and put them into action, not only are we blessed, but so are those around us. For Bo, that means writing and releasing worship songs. For me, it has meant leaning into painting in a way I never expected. Bo recently released his first vocal and piano song, Purify, and we’d love for you to listen and let him know what you think. Honest feedback is welcome—but be kind! It’s a learning process, just as it is for anyone stepping out in faith with their gifts.

The Joy of Creating
This past year, I’ve rekindled my love for painting. It started with an art retreat where I learned about “priming the pump” in creativity—pouring into your gifts to generate more from them. It’s been a joyful experience, one that has surprised me with how freely I’ve been able to create. I used to worry about perfection, but now I’m embracing the process, enjoying the act of painting itself rather than stressing over every detail.

Fear Less, Create More
One thing I’ve been learning is to be fearless—or at least to fear less. Fear of making mistakes can hold us back from using our gifts. But as I’ve taken more risks in painting, I’ve realized that even the imperfections contribute to something beautiful. That same principle applies to life, to faith, and to stepping out in our callings.

The Call to Missions
In a few weeks, I’ll be heading to India to speak at a graduation for students who have undergone intense Bible training. My encouragement to them will be the same encouragement I offer you: be who God created you to be and share what He has placed in your heart. Personal experience with God’s Word brings it to life in a way that simply repeating scripture never could.

Imperfection Can Be Powerful
As I’ve embraced painting in a looser, more impressionistic style, I’ve realized how this applies to sharing our faith. Trying too hard to be perfect can actually highlight imperfections. But when we embrace the beauty of imperfection, we create something more authentic and impactful.

Your Gifts Are Meant to Be Used
Jesus told the parable of the talents—where servants were given different amounts of money and expected to invest them. We each have talents and gifts, and God calls us to use them for His glory. For me, those gifts include playing piano, reading the Bible, teaching, and creating art. What are your five gifts? What has God placed in your hands?

Aligning Your Gifts with God’s Plan
It’s simple: 1) Look at your gifts. 2) Look at God’s plan. 3) Use your gifts to fulfill God’s plan. Whether you’re an artist, musician, teacher, or something else entirely, your talents have a purpose in God’s plan.

Small Acts, Big Impact
We often think ministry has to be something grand, but sometimes, it’s as simple as sharing what you love. Playing music, creating art, mentoring someone—these small acts, when done with God’s love, can have a ripple effect beyond what we imagine.

Micro and Macro Evangelism
There are two ways we share our faith: micro and macro. Micro evangelism happens in one-on-one relationships, while macro evangelism reaches larger groups. Both are important. Even Bo, who writes original worship music, also plays well-known worship songs, joining with others in corporate worship. Sharing faith can happen both personally and publicly.

Take the First Step
What has God put in you? What can you offer today? It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be faithful. Like priming a pump, when you pour into your gifts, you create the suction needed for more to flow. Step out, fear less, and trust that God will use what He’s placed in you to bless others.

Your Life is a Canvas
Whether through music, painting, or simply spending time with others, you have something valuable to share. Don’t let fear hold you back. Embrace your talents, align them with God’s plan, and watch how He uses them to impact the world.

Eric Elder writes for page, stage & screen to glorify God’s name so Christ may be seen! Use this link to subscribe or unsubscribe.