Last week, we discussed the amazing offering of God to provide each of us with spiritual gifts that enable us to successfully minister in the variety of roles we must execute. These are abilities empowered by the Holy Spirit that come to us because of our redemption offered through Jesus. There are several different lists of gifts in Scripture. Over the next few weeks, we will discuss how these can be appropriated into our lives, both to strengthen those ministries we offer to our Lord, and to assist with our role as father, husband, employee, etc.
Before we begin to unpack the specifics of the gifts, I want to give you some additional information concerning the gifts that is revealed in God’s Word. First, it is important to remember that everyone who has accepted God’s gift of salvation through faith and repentance has received a gift. In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul presents one of the lists of the gifts that are given. This list is wrapped up with these words in verse 11, All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. No one is left out. The tense of this verse indicated the possibility of receiving more than one gift but guarantees at least one will be granted to you. The other important truth from this verse is that God is the one who chooses to whom each gift is offered. We are not to pursue a gift because we think it would be cool to have it. God alone makes this choice. We do not know all of his rational for choosing the gifts for us, however, there are some things we can determine. The gifts will always empower the roles God has made available for you to fulfill. They will also be complimentary to your personality and natural talents. Another indication of God’s grace is that when we use our gifts, we will experience joy and fulfillment.
The next question is often, “How do I know which gift or gifts I have?” There are many assessment tools available that will assist in this process. These have their place and can be helpful. However, they are all based on a series of questions that attempt to discover the following information. What do you enjoy doing? What activities and ministry involvements in your life give you the most fulfillment? Where have you had success in glorifying God through the roles he has entrusted to you? What strengths have been affirmed by others as they have watched your life?
This may not be an exhaustive list of questions needed to determine your giftedness, but it is a good starting point. As we unpack the various gifts in this blog over the next few weeks, look at the characteristics of these lists and see if any resonate with how you see God already working in your life. It is highly likely you are already using one or more of your gifts, you may just not be aware of it.
The final step in determining the validity of the gift in your life is to consciously begin to practice it in the various roles God has given you. You will soon be able to discover which of the gifts meet the criteria mentioned in the questions above. As you narrow down those that are most fulfilling, you can then work at perfecting them in a way that challenges you to be the man God has gifted you to be and, in doing so, you will bring him honor.
Next week, we will begin the process of defining the gifts. If anytime during this process you have questions about how God may be choosing to appropriate your gifts in ministry, please give me a call. I would love to help you discover more fully who you are in Christ and what he has chosen for you to do in his service both in the Church as well as the other roles to which you are called.