Hi Friends,
We are all born with our own set of talents. They may fall into similar categories, yet each human, whatever that talent happens to be, is the only human who can exhibit that talent in their own unique way. Everyone is needed for this world to work as best as it can. Those are our natural abilities. In addition, once we become born again, we are each given our own set of gifts. Again, even though there are limited categories of these gifts, each of us is required to use our own gifts, in our own special way, in order for the Kingdom of God to be fully realized. These are our supernatural abilities which the Holy Spirit then helps us carry out…if we work with Him, of course. Listen to these encouraging verses:
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Ro 12:4-6a NIV
One Body. We can all understand Paul’s example here, right? We each have only one body, but many different parts to our body. Physically, we might be able to live without a gallbladder or an appendix, but not as well as if we had them. Each organ, each tissue and each type of cell should remain in the body and functioning as optimally as possible for you and I to have ultimate health. It is the same with the Church, my Friends. Sure it can get along with only some of the members doing all of the work, but how much more could we get done if every single person, that is a member of God’s Forever Family, actually did their part?! Imagine it for a moment. I really think we would be able to change this world for the better. The hungry would be fed. The thirsty satisfied. The stranger felt cherished, worthy and loved. The naked and homeless clothed, safe and warm. The sick provided for, comforted, and maybe even healed. And those imprisoned, literally or figuratively, would sense that they are not alone. My Friends, these are some of the things, according to Jesus, that the Church is supposed to be doing in His Name. (See Mt 25:31-46) Our sad reality is that, about 10% of the Church is doing 100% of God’s work. This should not be, my Friends! We are all valuable, required and an important part of what God desires to do in this fallen and broken world. Could this be one of the reasons why it remains so fallen and broken? No guilt here (see Ro 8:1), unless it works, of course. The truth is, our own lives will never be fully satisfying unless we discover our spiritual gifts and begin to work with the Holy Spirit to live it out. You see, the only way we could fulfill these lofty goals is to live our lives connected to our God, because it is only with Him, in Him and through Him, that we have access to these amazing gifts.
One Body, many Gifts. I will say it again, incase you missed the vital difference between talents and gifts. Both are granted to us by our Generous God, yet we are born with talents, they come natural to us, even though we should invest time and effort to develop them so we can use them to our best ability. But sadly, many people lean on their talents, but never give God any thanks for them, if they acknowledge Him at all. This is where most of the world would just pat themselves on their own back and think that “they” are so very talented and wonderful. In reality, only the God who gives us these talents is talented and wonderful! Gifts, on the other hand, are only granted to us by the Holy Spirit when we surrender our lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior. They are a part of our New Identity in Christ. This New Creation person has a part to play in God’s Kingdom, and so God gives us these gifts in order for us to be able to fulfill that part, as well as to enjoy life to the full. Sadly again, too many Christians still think these abilities come from them somehow, and they never acknowledge or thank God for them. Let that no longer be us, my Friends. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I could not utilize my gifts apart from God. You see, He has given me the gift to teach. This means He also gives me insight into His Word and the ability to explain it in plain language to those around me. Let me tell you, there is no way I could do any of that on my own! It is one of the gifts He has granted me and I am head over heels grateful for it. For example, as I sat here to write this article, I had absolutely NO IDEA what to write about…but the moment I surrendered it to our Lord? These words seem to come up and out of me from some deep part of me that I still cannot locate…well, I can, it is God. Sure He uses my experiences. Of course, He takes into consideration my level of maturity…or lack thereof. But the way it all flows out of me, almost without me knowing what I am writing…it is hard to explain, but glorious to behold. But this is what we should expect. They are gifts of the Spirit, not of Diane, or fill in your name. We cannot use them on our own. Having said that, God can certainly use them through, us even if we are not acknowledging Him at the moment, or realizing it is Him in and through us. Listen, God’s Will will be done. But how much more amazing is our personal lives when we do choose to both acknowledge and thank Him?!
One Body, many Gifts, so we can Serve with Joy. The whole point to these gifts is not to make us feel special. It is certainly not to lift us up. It is not even to perform anything spectacular so others will come to see us. It is “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”. (see Eph 4:12) To be a blessing to those in need, whether they have physical or spiritual needs. The whole point to these gifts is to glorify God, Who gives us the gifts, the desire and then the power to use them for the good of the whole Body. So what are these gifts? Below is a chart with a compilation of the different gifts according to the Bible and where you can find them. Note that some are motivational gifts which help us shape how believers are meant to view their New Life in Christ (green). Others are gifts of manifestation, pointing us to God’s supernatural power (red). Others are ministry gift to literally build up the Church by bringing more people into Christ (blue). And some cross over into these various categories (purple).
Spiritual Gifts:
| Romans 12:6-8 | 1Corinthians 12:8-10 | 1Corinthians 12:28-30 | Ephesians 4:11 | 1Peter 4:9-11 |
| Prophecy | Word of Wisdom | Apostleship | Apostleship | Speaking |
| Service | Word of Knowledge | Prophecy | Prophecy | Hospitality |
| Teaching | Faith | Teaching | Evangelism | |
| Encouragement | Healings | Miracles | Sheparding | |
| Generosity | Miracles | Healing | ||
| Leadership | Prophecy | Helping | ||
| Mercy | Distinguishing spirits | Administrating | ||
| Tongues | Tongues | |||
| Interpretation of tongues | Interpretation of tongues |
Joyous Service. My Friends, if you never knew you were given a spiritual gift when you came to Christ, if no one ever told you how important you are in the Kingdom of God, if you did not realize you could, and should, be serving God for your benefit and that of others, then I pray I have stirred these truths in you today. Find your place in the Body. There are many different tests on the good old internet to point you to your “spiritual gifts,” fill one out to day, then begin being an active member in this lovely and vital Church of Christ. You won’t regret becoming involved, I certainly never do. It makes my life, and I hope the lives of others around me, more abundant. If you are reading this, then God is calling you. Won’t you please join me?
Until we meet again, keep lifting your eyes to God, He’s closer than you think.
<>< Peace, Diane
