Language is the holder of ideas. I often wonder why we express ideas in certain ways. For example, “One plays a musical instrument.” Everyone who plays a musical instrument knows that one has to work at it to get it to play. The connotation of frivolous pleasure (play) is in juxtaposition with an extremely difficult activity (produce music on a contraption). The expression of the idea holds a deeper meaning that aesthetically defines the activity. Another example is, “One is gifted at playing music.” Gifts are given as an expression of esteem. Gifts are bestowed voluntarily and without thought of compensation. The gift may be inexpensive or extravagant, but it is the relationship between the giver and the recipient that gives the act meaning. As the English language developed the idea of “gift” has been applied to natural ability or talent. I wish to search for a deeper aesthetic meaning to the expression of the idea of “musical gift.” Allow me to explore this idea from the two contrasting worldviews of Naturalism and Christianity. Naturalism postulates that the cosmos and life are the results of natural processes. Natural abilities and talents are the result of biological processes. Just as “mind” is the result of chemical process within the brain, talent is the result of training neurons and muscles in a certain way. One is genetically predisposed to a form of intelligence. This predisposition results in certain activities giving pleasure. One will then gravitate toward the pleasant pursuit. The talent is then honed though practice in order to bring it to the place of artistic beauty. The Naturalist musician owns the ability and finds meaning in presenting music to others. Christianity postulates that the cosmos and life are the result of a designer. This designer identifies himself through the creation and through scripture. Natural abilities and talents are the result genetic programming by the creator. One can choose to develop a particular ability which gives pleasure. The talent is then honed though practice in order to bring it to the place of artistic beauty. The Christian musician finds meaning in presenting music to others as an expression of a relationship with the creator. The aesthetic meaning of playing music is tied up with relationships. The Naturalist musician presents music in relation to himself, the composer, and the audience. Each experience of music is glorious at the time but is soon over. Meaning is found in the act of the pleasure of making music. The pleasure must be pursued repeatedly and becomes empty over time. What began as play becomes work and then drudgery. The Christian musician has the added relationship with the Creator. Making music is an act of appreciation just as the enjoyment of a gift from my wife affirms our relationship. While playing music is still work, each act of music making (to quote Bach) is “for the glory of God.” Thus the beauty of the idea: “Gifted at playing music.” | 
