What is the difference between a talent and a spiritual gift?
Good question. A talent is a natural ability given at birth. This could be anything from athletic ability to musical talent to artistic genius. Talents cannot be used to glorify God unless the Holy Spirit allows them to. The possessor of a particular talent cannot use it on his own power to glorify God if he is not a Christian. If, however, that person receives Christ, the Holy Spirit may then transform his talent into a supernatural gift that would fall under one of the gifts listed below. The Holy Spirit may also decide to give that person a totally different gift or gifts.