LESSONS FROM MY CAMCORDER (2): REFINE YOUR GIFT 

When people started noticing that I had a video camera, I began getting gigs to cover events. During my undergraduate studies, I covered two notable events. The visit of our current president to my University back in the days. There was also another prominent figure in the country that also visited. They both delivered lectures. These events were organized by student organizations in my faculty. 

I started getting paid for my job. It was no longer a hobby. It was not just about having fun anymore. I found out how videos were edited. I began to build business relationships. I started making some money. 

Beloved one, it is true that the gift of a man will make room for him, but it is competence that keeps you in that room. What brought you to this level would always need to be refined before you can move on to new levels. Promotion is available, but it is waiting for a refined version of you. 

Which is cheaper? The raw product or the refined ones? The raw product is like crude oil; it has many expressions, but is sold just as crude. But when it is refined, the multiple expressions in it begin to emerge. 

Truth be told, life draws invisible lines. Some will stand before kings, and some will stand before mean men. Some will walk on foot, while some will ride on horses. The line divider would be diligence. Diligence means that you are disciplined enough to work on your raw gift and refine it until the various expressions within it begin to emerge. 

What brought Joseph into the room? His gift and track records

What kept Joseph in the room and gave him a chance to lead? His competence. His ability to go beyond just interpreting to proffering solutions. 

““And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”

Acts 7:9-10 NKJV

You need not favour and wisdom. Favour came at God’s set time. Wisdom, however, ensured:

– Joseph shaved. Egyptians do not wear beards. Do you have street intelligence or is it just your gift? 

– Joseph changed his clothes. Perspective is key. He did not show up as a prisoner. He showed up as an “economic consultant”. 

– Joseph went the extra mile to give a lasting solution. He had improved himself beyond what he did with the baker and butler. 

I know you have a gift. But have you cooked it?