By developing our spiritual gifts with all our hearts, we can be led to find our own personal success and rewards.
For years, I have struggled to recognize the gifts and talents that God has given me. I searched the scriptures, but I couldn’t seem to believe that I had any of the spiritual gifts listed. Instead, all I saw were areas where I was lacking.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2025 that, through the help of a friend, I began to see the gifts and talents that God has blessed me with. My friend showed me that I was more patient, caring, and compassionate than I had recognized before. He taught me to listen to the desire that I had to serve those around me and helped me understand that my desire to serve is a spiritual gift.
Photo by Cristina De Luis
With his help, I began to work hard on developing these gifts. During this time of self-improvement, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave his talk “Do Your Part With All Your Heart.” In this talk, he outlines the importance of working hard, using your gifts to build up God’s kingdom, and recognizing how gifted you really are. I realized God truly saw me through Elder Uchtdorf’s words: “You are a blessed being of light, the spirit child of an infinite God! And you bear within you a potential beyond your own capacity to imagine.” His words inspired me to keep working hard to develop my gifts.
I spent time working hard to push myself and learn more the next few months. I prayed and asked for direction. God taught me a lot. I reached out to more people and spent more time serving. School and job searching helped me to strengthen my patience.
What surprised me the most were the blessings that followed. After reaching out to more people, I received a job offer that I never expected. The service that I gave made me happier. I felt truly proud of the work I was accomplishing. I felt success in my school work, at my jobs, and in my everyday relationships.
My suggestion for all is that we develop the gifts God has given us. Though the rewards may not manifest as a job offer, they will be individual and meaningful to each of us. Even if it’s hard, we can look for ways to recognize our gifts, and the rewards will be priceless.
Read more about seeking spiritual gifts in Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s full talk “Do Your Part with All Your Heart.”
Source: General Conference
—McKenzie VanOrden, Latter-day Saint Insights
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Find more insights
Take a look at the general conference talk “Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles” by Elder Juan Pablo Villar to learn more about building faith.
Read about overcoming discouragement with Christ’s help in Elder Carl B. Cook’s general conference talk “Just Keep Going—with Faith.”