GRADE 8 CRE CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY – WORK:[TALENTS AND ABILITIES Notes
CRE — Christian Living Today
Subtopic: Work — Talents and Abilities | Age: 13 | Context: Kenya
Learning Outcomes
- Explain what talents and abilities are and show that they come from God.
- Give Kenyan examples of talents used in work and daily life.
- Describe how to discover, develop and use talents responsibly to serve God and others.
Key Bible verses
- Matthew 25:14–30 — Parable of the Talents (use what God gives you)
- 1 Peter 4:10 — Use your gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace.
- Colossians 3:23 — Work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
- Proverbs 22:29 — Skilled people will be noticed and rewarded.
What are talents and abilities?
Talents are natural gifts God gives you (for example: singing, drawing, speaking). Abilities are skills you learn and practice (for example: reading, fixing a bicycle, baking). Both help you in school, church and work.
Examples (Kenyan context)
Home / Small Business
- Cooking, baking
- Tailoring, beadwork
- Farming (planting, animal care)
School / Church
- Teaching, tutoring
- Leading praise and worship
- Sports (team leadership)
Skilled Jobs
- Carpentry, masonry
- Mechanic, electrician
- Nursing, computer coding
Why talents and abilities matter
- They help you serve God and other people (church, family, community).
- They prepare you for honest work and to support yourself and your family.
- They bring glory to God when used with humility and diligence.
How to discover and grow your talents
- Try many activities: clubs, Sunday school, helping at home or in the farm.
- Ask family, teachers and church leaders what they see you do well.
- Practice regularly — skills improve with time.
- Learn from others: apprentices, mentors, YouTube tutorials (with parent permission).
- Pray and ask God for guidance and courage to use your gifts.
Using talents at work
- Work honestly and with excellence (Colossians 3:23).
- Show respect to customers, employers and coworkers.
- Share skills with others — teach younger children or classmates.
- Save part of your income or profit and use it wisely.
Challenges and Christian responses
- Fear of failing — trust God, start small and learn.
- Laziness — remember discipline and purpose; pray for strength.
- Peer pressure — choose good friends who encourage gifts for God.
- Lack of resources — use what you have, seek help from church or community groups.
Classroom / Church Activities (simple)
- Talent Map: Draw a map of your talents — write 3 things you are good at and 2 you want to try.
- Group Project: Form groups and choose a service activity (clean the church compound, replant trees, teach a song to younger children).
- Role Play: Act the Parable of the Talents and discuss the choices each servant made.
- Career Visit: Invite a local craftsman, teacher or nurse to talk about how they use their gifts.
Reflection questions (for personal or group time)
- What three talents or abilities do I have now?
- How can I use at least one talent to help my family, church or school this week?
- What will I practise each day to improve one skill?
Short prayer
Lord, thank you for the gifts you have given me. Help me to discover, grow and use these talents to serve You and help others. Give me courage, wisdom and the will to work hard. Amen.
Assessment (quick)
- Write down two Bible verses that show Christians should use their talents. (2 marks)
- List three ways you can practise a skill at home. (3 marks)
- Describe one talent you can use to help your community and how you will use it. (5 marks)
Final encouragement: Every talent is important — whether it is prayer, planting, drawing, or fixing a bicycle. Use what God gave you well and keep learning.