There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
1 Corinthians 12:4 NIV
Do you know which spiritual gifts God has given you? If not, you can take a free test HERE. Even if you already know them, I encourage you to take the test again.
I took a spiritual gifts test last weekend, and was surprised by the results. I first took the test when I was in high school 20+ years ago, and again about 12 years ago at church. My core gifts have stayed the same: faith, knowledge, discernment and artistic gifts. But God has added a few more in the past few years, and I feel extra blessed by the Holy Spirit's generosity toward me.
When we know more about spiritual gifts, we receive blessings upon blessings. First, we are able to serve in areas that feel fun, exciting and natural. I have a leadership strength, so I feel more comfortable when I'm leading rather than following. But I'm not particularly strong in other areas, which could drain and frustrate me (like serving in the church nursery, for example). When you know your gifts, service to the Church will energize and strengthen you.
Our unique spiritual gifts bless others. Let's say you have the gift of craftsmanship, which is working with your hands. If you use that gift to build backdrops for holiday services, construct homes on a mission trip, or repair broken items in your church fellowship hall, you are blessing untold numbers of God's people. If you fail to exercise your gift, others miss out on the blessings. It's important that once you know it, you are willing to share it in the Christian community.
When you share your gift, you glorify God. You may be the only person in your church with a specific gift that can bless and encourage others. Or, you may have a gift that others share, and you can work powerfully together as a ministry team. Either way, God receives the glory when you offer your spiritual gift to the church. Whether you prefer to help behind the scenes or enjoy serving out in front, God will get the glory. Others will appreciate you and see God at work in your service. Their faith will be encouraged, which brings glory to God.
The Holy Spirit has given you at least one spiritual gift if you believe. Which gift or gifts has he given you? How are you using them in the Christian community? I encourage you to do some digging into this topic so you can be even more effective for service in God's kingdom.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me so many good gifts through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am eager to glorify you and serve others with the gifts you have given me. Give me opportunities to serve your people, Lord. I want to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus to my local church as well as my community and the world. Show me what to do next as I seek your will in exercising the gifts you have given me.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
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Reflection questions:
1. Which areas has God gifted you in, according to the test?
2. Which areas are not your gifts? Why does this matter?
2. Which areas are not your gifts? Why does this matter?
So good to remember that we have been given gifts, not to hoard, but to bless others and bring glory to God. May we embrace the opportunities God places in our lives. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI was at the Bus Terminal the other day when I got this urge to witness to many so I did about 10 ppl and I'm going to do it again. It felt real good!
ReplyDeleteGood post. I'm going to be teaching a class at church on spiritual gifts starting in January, and I'm digging into this topic. This post is good!
ReplyDelete