Many children are born with a love of singing, and that was the case with me. I loved to sing—but only in private. What would people think if they heard me sing? Would they like it? Dislike it? I didn’t know, and I was happy to keep this little love of mine hidden. But we all know how God works: If He gives you a talent, He wants you to develop and use it.

In 2010, an exciting proposition was delivered to the 3rd and 4th grade students of Imperial Academy: If we wanted, we could audition for a small singing role in Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Tryouts would be held during music class, and the final decision would be made a couple weeks later. All seven of us auditioned—none of us could turn this awesome opportunity down.

During tryouts, everyone did a fantastic job. But I don’t think any of us thought that we would actually get the part. What a shock it was to find out later that I had been chosen to sing it. For the next couple days, I felt like a rock was sitting in my stomach. I needed to tell my parents, but I didn’t want to. I knew they would be excited for me, but I was filled with dread. How would people react when I sang? What if they didn’t like it? What if I forgot the words? I can’t do this!

Finally, I told my parents—and immediately started crying. I think they were a little confused at first. Why did I audition if I didn’t even want to do it? The truth was, I did want to do it! But I was so worried about what other people would think that I was freaking myself out. My parents were the ones who pointed this out to me: If I stopped thinking about myself and focused on giving to God and to the audience, I would enjoy this opportunity.

For the next couple months of rehearsals, I had to keep reminding myself that I was doing this for God. Every once in a while, my nerves would get the better of me, but my parents were always there to encourage me. As the performance drew closer, I grew more confident.

The day finally arrived. Although nervous, I wasn’t concerned about what people would think. God was the only one who mattered. With that in mind, my first performance ever in front of people went pretty well. And I actually got some compliments!

God, through my parents, showed me exactly what I needed to see. As Colossians 3:17 says, “[W]hatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” The first part of Romans 12:6 also says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us ….”

God gives us talents, and He wants us to develop and use them. But He wants our talents to be used to glorify Him. Talents should not be used as a way to glorify ourselves. But keeping them hidden is just as bad as showing them off. It is a complete waste of a God-given talent if we never develop it, and it shows ingratitude to God.

It isn’t easy to conquer our fears, and performing in front of others is a common fear for people. Ask God for help! Ask Him to help you keep your mind off yourself, and focus on giving to Him and to the audience. If you are less self-conscious, performing can be fun!

People in the audience understand how nerve-wracking performing is. They will be proud of you for just getting up there—and they want you to succeed! So there is really no reason to worry about what they will think. But we’re human, and humans worry about what others think. Just remember: Only God’s opinion really counts.

Everyone has talents to share with others. God loves variety, which is why we all have different interests and hobbies. By developing our talents now, we are preparing for our future as teachers in the coming Kingdom of God. First, crush the temptation to hide your talent. Then ask God to help you get over yourself and to focus on giving to others. If we do this, God will be able to use us greatly in the future.

My parents helped me realize that when your mind is on yourself, you don’t accomplish as much. When I got my mind off myself, God helped me to conquer a major fear of mine: singing in front of people. Now, if someone asked me to sing for special music, I wouldn’t be thrown by it. I would still get nervous, but I would know that God is happy when we use the talents He gave us.

Use the talents that God has given to you to glorify Him. He will give you more opportunities—if you have the courage to take them!