03/11/2024
Jean Morrison
At the end of your life, how many of you would like to hear Jesus say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant?” (Matthew 25:23) However, to hear those words, each of us in the body of Christ needs to be actively doing what God has called each of us to do.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Apostle Paul illustrates the vital truth that we, as Christ’s followers, have been given diverse spiritual gifts to do exceptional work for God. He says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
Note that these gifts aren’t random; they are tailor-made to fit God’s grand design for our lives. Paul’s message to the Corinthians rings true for us today. However, when he wrote this letter, there was a lot of confusion concerning spiritual gifts in the Church of Corinth. Some Christians were proclaiming that certain gifts, like speaking in tongues, were superior to others, and that’s not true.
Apostle Paul took the time to set the record straight. He wanted the Corinthians to know that each spiritual gift given to us by the Holy Spirit is not better than any other. It’s also important to note that God doesn’t give us spiritual gifts because we earn or deserve them. That fact alone should keep us all humble.
That’s why it’s so essential for all of us to understand what spiritual gift(s) God has equipped each of us with so we may start doing more work for His Kingdom. Remember, we can’t make excuses when we stand before God one day. We can’t claim ignorance or fear concerning our spiritual gifts. God will expect us to use the spiritual gifts He gave us to boldly use them for His Glory.
Here are some key takeaways to help you understand your spiritual gifts:
1. We don’t get to choose the spiritual gift(s) that God has given us. That’s because we are each uniquely crafted by God and equipped with gifts tailored just for us. That’s why it’s important not to compare yourself with others or wish for someone else’s gifts.
If we’re honest, we’d have to admit that we often think that if God didn’t bless us with a certain kind of gift, we can’t be used to Him. For example, it’s easy to sit in church and think that if God didn’t give us a fantastic voice and an opportunity to sing on the worship team, we can’t be used mightily for God. Or, maybe we think that if we are timid and shy, God can’t use us boldly to share the good news of Christ. But here’s the deal. God wastes nothing. He’ll use what He’s given us to give Him Glory, no matter how great, seemingly minor, or different.
If we’re honest, we’d have to admit that we often think that if God didn’t bless us with a certain kind of gift, we can’t be used for Him. For example, it is easy to sit in church and think that if God didn’t give you the gift of preaching or teaching, that you cannot be used mightily by God. Or, maybe we think that if we are timid and shy, God can’t use us boldly to share the good news of Christ. But here’s the deal. God wastes nothing. He’ll use what He’s given us to give Him Glory, no matter how great, seemingly minor, or different.
2. The Holy Spirit can supercharge your natural abilities. God will often naturally take whatever talents He’s given you and amplify them for His purposes. Understanding your spiritual gifts and natural talents allows you to find your place in ministry, align your priorities with God’s will, and confidently serve others.
The Holy Spirit can supercharge your natural abilities. God will often naturally take whatever talents He’s given you and amplify them for His purposes. A person who has beautiful voice and now use their spiritual gift of exhortation or evangelism to reach others for Christ. Understanding your spiritual gifts and natural talents allows you to find your place in ministry, align your priorities with God’s will, and confidently serve others.
So, Here’s the bottom line: God gave you spiritual gifts to use for His Glory and to benefit others. As a Difference Maker, you can rest on the fact that God will equip and empower you to serve others with the spiritual gift(s) He’s successfully given you.
Whether you hold a secular job or serve in ministry, God intends for you to use your spiritual gifts in every aspect of your life. You are a masterpiece, not a carbon copy. So, embrace your uniqueness, unwrap your spiritual gifts, and boldly become a Difference Maker in the Kingdom of God. He’s waiting on you!
Don't know what your spiritual gift is? Take the test here!
