Access to the Gift

There was a young girl that had a gift to dance, and her mother was named Herodias. Herodias did not conduct herself in a Godly manner and was in a relationship that was not approved by God. Her relationship choice was made public by a prophet of God, named John the Baptist. Herodias was of course not happy about this open and public rebuke; therefore she set out to take matters into her own hands to stop the mouth of the prophet, through the manipulation and control of her daughter’s gift.

The daughter of Herodias danced before the king, and he was so pleased with her that he said she could have anything that she asked for. At that point, she could have requested anything that her heart desired. But instead, she asked for something that someone else wanted. Unfortunately, she was influenced by an evil scheme that her mother had concocted. Instead of her mother being an example for her daughter in a good way, her mother planted the seed of manipulation, control, and murder within her daughter’s heart. Now, the daughter was conditioned to use her gift of dance to control other people to get them to do what she wanted them to do. Because her mother taught her how to prostitute her gift; the original purpose of her gift to bless, was twisted into a gift to curse.

There was nothing that the king would have held back from this young girl with the gift of dance, who blessed his soul with delight. He was willing to give her whatever she asked for. Therefore he committed to her with his own personal oath, in the presence of his guests; that she could ask anything, and he would give it to her. Undoubtedly, she had been dancing for years, and had perfected her skill; with hours and hours of training and practice. Yet, she used her gift for evil instead of good.

Just imagine the shock on the king’s face when she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. But, because he was the king, and he gave her his word, he granted her request; even though he was sorrowful because of it.

Our heavenly Father is sorrowful when we settle for less than what He has for us by allowing others to influence the way we use the gifts, talents and abilities that He has given to us. When we allow others to make decisions for our lives, instead of seeking God for his direction and guidance; we miss out on the blessings that have been prepared for us.

The next time someone tries to influence you to use your gift in a direction in which God has not released you to do; deny them access to the gift within you. Make sure that you use your gift to glorify God, and do not allow anyone to prostitute your gift; because your gift possesses a value that is priceless.

• Who is it that tries to replace the authority of God in your life?
• What do you gain by someone’s control over you?
• What do you gain by God’s hand in your life?
• What are the abilities, talents and gifts that God has give you?
• Do you believe that God will grant your request?

Knowing the answers to these questions will keep us on guard against ungodly influences that would try to induce us to prostitute our gifts, talents and abilities.

Strong’s Concordance Definitions (1988): Matthew 14:6 & 8

Asked: (154) crave, desire, require

Give: (1325) bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), grant, make

Promised: (3670) covenant

Whatever: (1437) provided

Webster’s Dictionary Definitions (2004):

Boundary: something that indicates fixes a limit or extent, a bounding or separating line, or point.

Control: to exercise restraining or directing influence over: regulate, to have power over.

Manipulate: to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means esp. to one’s own advantage, to change by artful or unfair means so as to serve one’s purpose.

Reflection:

Anytime someone is trying to get you to do something that you do not want to do, especially if it’s outside of the will of God, it’s called manipulation and control to influence your decision, and to cross boundaries that should not be crossed. Therefore, it is important that we have a grasp on setting boundaries of what we will do and what we will not.

Resources:
Boundaries: when to say yes, when to say no, to take control of your life by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.

Reference Scriptures
Matthew 14:6 -8