“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7.
One of the things that I think causes followers of Jesus a great deal of concern and confusion is the consideration of their Spiritual gifting. Some folks seem blessed with ample clues of their strengths in this area. Meanwhile, others spend vast amounts of time trying to ascertain what they have been gifted with. Much effort gets expended on pursuing a greater knowledge of these gifts. Often, we can end up frozen in doubt about what may or may not be inside us in this area.
Yet, I think this pursuit can sometimes come off the rails and become self-serving. We can find ourselves thinking: “I will seek until I find what has been given to me specifically. And then I will bask in the specialness that I possess.” But Scripture is quick to clearly state that these “gifts” have been given so that you can use them to help advance His church and to serve others around you.
God desires us to be His hands and feet. He could have sent angels, prophets, or maybe even bought some prime-time TV advertising so He could share all of this — but He didn’t. Instead, as He created each of us, He sowed in the uniqueness of purpose and outlook so that, as we mature in our faith, if we are open and watching, these seeds can bloom and burst forth.
And that is why we need to move past the searching into the application. Yes, some tests and classes can assist us in identifying our personal Spiritual gifts. But more often, it is the triggering of passions and positive reinforcement to act on them that lead us into our special abilities within the body of Christ. Often a spirit of overwhelming joy can accompany us, moving in our gifts. This means that we need to lean into our faith.
“All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:11.
It is important to at least have a basic understanding of what gifts are available to be given. You can find many differing lists on this subject, but one that I thought was comprehensive reads like this:
Administration Faith Hospitality
Discernment Giving Knowledge
Evangelism Healing Leadership
Exhortation Helps Mercy
Prophesy Teaching Apostle
Serving Wisdom Speaking in tongues
As you read this list, did any of these strike a chord in your spirit? Those would be good places for you to do a bit more investigating into what is involved. From this vantage point, you could then look to try and apply them somewhere. Often, we can end up doing some “trial and error” as we explore how we flow into any of these gifts. Sharing your thoughts on this with others can also bring further insight; as people around, you can often see skills being present, even while we are totally unaware of them. And we need to remain flexible in all of this. We need to recognize that our gifts can grow and change as we walk out our faith. It is possible to have a “season” for a gifting, but then later grasp the fact that our focus, heart, and spirit could be shifting to something new.
BOTTOM LINE:
All of this is designed to encourage you to step out in this area for yourself. Too many times we hold back, concerned to be 150% settled on what we have been gifted with before we move to serve. Please don’t withhold yourself from the body. His church needs the gifts of the Spirit flowing. We need to see Him moving through us. We need to become energized to give through ourselves to the church, those within it, and even those outside of it.
“Do not neglect the gift you have” 1 Timothy 4:14
Your Turn: What are your spiritual gifts? Tell us in the comments box below. Thank you for sharing!
