20. Develop Your Talent
Too many people suffer from “destination disease.” In other words, they have reached a certain level or obtained a goal, now they are casting in life off what they have already learned. Studies tell us that fifty percent of people, after they graduate from high school, will never read an entire book the rest of their life. One reason is that people see learning as a period of life instead of a way of life. They think, “I am out of school. I am done with my training. I have got my job.” However, God never created us to reach one level and stop. Whether you are ninety years old or nine years old, you should be constantly learning, improving your skills, and getting better at what you do. The Prophet said, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave”. 1
The key is that if you want to attain salvation, you should be humble in your prayers. And for being humble, you need knowledge. God says,
“Certainly, the faithful have attained salvation, those who are humble in their prayers”. (Qur’an; 23: 1-2)2
and says,
“Only the knowledgeable among God’s servants reverence Him”. (Qur’an; 35:28)3
You have to take responsibility for your growth. Growth is not automatic. What steps are you taking to get better? Are you reading books? Are you taking any courses on the internet? Going to any seminars? Do you have any mentors? Do not just coast through life relying on what you have already learned. You have treasure on the inside. Develop your talent and become all that God created you to be.
