Performance Gifts
And the hopes and hurts they can bring.
People with performance gifts are at high risk for receiving wounds from nondescript audience responses or critical reviews.
If the wounds are cutting too deep or lasting too long it is an indication that we are likely seeing our worth as being tied up with our talents. This comes from buying a lie and also indicates we do not really see our talents as gifts from God. We have laid claim to them in an unhealthy way which is the actual cause of our emotional discomfort.
But even just knowing this is not usually enough. A cleansing or purification is required. This is one of the purposes for those frequently in the public eye to find times daily for solitude in order to pray and receive affirmation and strength from God. This helps counter the fickle praise and critiques of man.
Sadly, for those who perform to inspire or entertain, whether they preach, give talks, sing, play an instrument, compose, paint, or write things, the discipline of daily solitude is easily neglected as popularity and demands grow.
Finally, just so you know, it is only the seasoned performers, well-grounded in who they are as God’s children, who appreciate that criticism and tepid responses are as much gifts as applause and accolades. This is because they understand that God knows we don’t need bigger heads; just softer hearts.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
