We must defend personal accountability against our own inclinations to avoid the work that is required to cultivate talents, abilities, and Christlike character...We must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with with justice and moral agency.
“As we ponder having been commanded by Jesus to become like Him, we see that our present circumstance is one in which we are not necessarily wicked, but, rather, is one in which we are so half-hearted and so lacking in enthusiasm for His cause—which is our cause, too! We extol but seldom emulate Him.”
If we seek these gifts to better serve others, He will bless us in our efforts. Selfishly pursuing a gift from God will end in disappointment and frustration.