How do you combat, “God gave me this gift, I don’t need to practice.” They say it in all honesty.

This is an unfortunate but not uncommon scenario. Let me attempt to offer some practical ideas.

In essence everything we have is from God. Our abilities and talents, financial blessings, family and more are all gifts from the Lord. Does this mean I never need to do anything with any of these. Absolutely not.

When my wife and I bought our home, God gave us a lawn. If we never do anything with that lawn, what will happen to it? Also, God gave us children. They are gifts from Him (Psalm 127:3). What would happen if we were to never do anything with those children. We have an obligation to be good stewards of the gifts the Lord has given (Matthew 25:14-30).

For musicians this may mean further lessons and study to improve abilities and understanding. Perhaps a course on music theory at a local junior college would be in order. Possibly private lessons—even online—for instrument or voice would be helpful.

At the very least regular, consistent practice is essential. Without this your musical abilities will stagnate. Violin virtuoso Itzak Perleman, was once quoted as saying, “If I don’t practice for one day, I can tell the difference. If I don’t practice for two days, my closest friends can tell the difference. If I don’t practice for three, everybody can tell the difference.” If an instrumentalist the stature of Perleman finds it necessary to practice and work at his gift, then how much more should the rest of us?

God may have given the gift but it is up to us to be faithful stewards of those gifts.