Most of us spend our whole lives learning how to live in the world. We go to school, we learn about work, and we learn how to survive on Earth with our fellow beings. But few of us have spent the same amount of time learning how to grow spiritually. One recent poll estimates that 95% of Americans believe in some sort of God. This is interesting, given that we still see a persistent spiritual hunger. Anyone who has ever asked one of the “big” questions, like “where did I come from?” or “what is the meaning of all of this?” or “what happens when we die?” or even “who, exactly, is this God?”, requires answers that cannot be taught through the usual educational paths.

A quick fix for this spiritual void is enticing. This, in part, explains the immense popularity of any number of books about how to be more spiritual, how to tap into “secrets” of the universe, and how to develop your spiritual well-being through a variety of physical and mental activities. We want answers, and we want those answers to be true. Sifting through the vast array of material dealing with spirituality can be daunting. But I believe that every one of us is “hard wired” to recognize truth when we see it. Therefore, I encourage you to spend more time on your spirit. Spend at least as much time as you have spent learning about how to tackle the obstacles of this world. Don’t stop until you recognize the truth. And, along with all of the other things you may decide to study, please consider learning about the life of Jesus Christ, who told the world that he was God, and who was called “the truth.”

I know very few musicians who don’t consider their ability to create and perform a gift from God. But all people, not just musicians, have gifts. Think of what you do well, what you do that makes other people smile, what you do that makes the world a better place to live, and recognize that these gifts are as valuable as any other. Because I am a Christian, I like to read the Bible. In one particular book, it says that we human beings are God’s instrument of choice for revealing his own glory. He does this, in part, through our talents and gifts, which offer the rest of humanity an ever-so-small glimpse of the perfection of God.

So, go out and use your gifts! Give the rest of us the opportunity to see God’s glory in who you are and what you can do! Don’t be afraid or ashamed: “Let your light shine before men (and women), that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”