DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TALENT, A SKILL AND A GIFT

Talents are natural and can be attributed to the natural genetic factors existing within us passed down from generation to generation. It is propagated naturally at birth. Talents and skills are often misconceived in conversations. Although both pertains to the ability of an individual to perform a particular task.
A talent is permanent or naturally occurring in a person. It is said to be a special ability with experience or a specific tutoring. It is the ability to carry out a task without extra effort but yet perfect in enactment. Some people have it while some don't. A talent can be improved overtime with direction and training.

A skill is an ability that is learned and practiced over a period of time. It is acquired or obtained as an outcome of perpetual improvement and performance on a given task.
Skills are taught and regarded as a displayed talent unlike a talent which is a natural procurement of an ability. In other words, a skill is a result of a person's particular talent and effort. Indicating that a talent can be a stepping stone to develop a skill. A skill can then be called a cultured ability when combined with talent.

Gifts are directly from the spirit of God when we become born again. Gifts are acquired by those who are saved(believers).
Gifts could be wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, speaking in tongues, prophecy, giving, teaching, leadership, evangelism and so much more. Though they sound like natural talents, there is a big difference between a gift and a talent.
For example, let's say you are an orator as an nonbeliever, God can use your talent as an orator when you then become a believer to do above and beyond anything you weren't capable of doing as a nonbeliever. Hence, making you a powerful preacher in a local assembly.
Gifts are used for God's purpose correlated to talents.

Skill and talent can drive an individual to success and fulfill a mandate in life.
A skill needs instruction, time, training and practice to actually learn.
Talent on the other hand can be developed into a skill as a demonstrated talent.
Talent is for a limited number of people while skill can be learned by anyone with the capacity and willingness to learn.
However, talent is a natural aspect that needs little or no special knowledge while a skill is a nurturing aspect where there is a lot of time and effort spent to learn and implement a certain ability.
Talents and skills are used to serve our own selfish desires and interests while gifts have been given to serve God and give him glory.
Everyone has got a gift. When we become dedicated believers, it begins to manifest. We are to build up the body of Christ with our different gifts so get up and use yours now.

Do not misinterpret a talent or skill from a gift. They are all different in some way.
When someone dances on the road to entertain and get paid, it's a talent and not a gift. A motivational speaker or preacher in church is a gift.
Then a doctor, lawyer, artist, artiste or artisans are skilled professionals.
My writing is a talent and not a skill. As I did not go through any special training to become an author or writer.

Hope this article helps!


Thanks for reading.