So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. ~Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to believers for ministry and service.
One of life’s greatest challenges is that of discovering and learning how to use the spiritual gifts given to each of us.
There are various tools available to help us identify our gifts. However, personal Bible Study and prayer is the best way to discern what has been given to us and how God would have us use them “best” for His glory.
I recently took this Spiritual Gifts Assessment provided by LifeWay. I answered some questions and was able to see my top gifts. This assessment lists 16 gifts from administration to hospitality, and teaching to wisdom. It provides a good picture of the gifts used to serve others and could be used to help you find your place in the church body. This tool also provides a description of each gift and how it can be used in the local church.
This type of assessment can aid in helping you see your self in a new light. However, you should continue to pray and study to find what the Lord would have you to do.If you have a desire to use these gifts within the church, take some time to talk to your pastor or leadership. Share your desire and your gifts with them and find where you fit. There may be a need that you don’t know about but that your pastor has been praying for someone to step up and fill. Sometimes it looks different than what we would normally think so don’t dismiss an opportunity too quickly. If your pastor suggests something that doesn’t connect with you right away, pray about it and see what God says.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (NIV)
My Gifts
Here are my top gifts from the assessment I took:
- Faith
- Exhortation
- Giving
- Administration
- Leadership and Serve/Helps (tied for fifth place)
Those of you who know me can concur that these are accurate!
- Faith – I thank God He has given me a strong faith to get through all that life has thrown at me and my family.
- Exhortation – I seek opportunities to speak to groups and encourage those around me!
- Giving – my joy in giving has grown so much in the last several years.
- Administration – My “career” is in administration and I love what I do!
- Leadership & Service – I am thrilled that these two tied for the same place. We can not be a good leader until we are first able to serve others.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (NIV) These “gifts” or combination of gifts, are unique for each person. They are not dependent upon genetic codes and are intended to serve others. They describe the service of the believer.
Most important is an individuals faithfulness to use the gifts bestowed upon them unselfishly and for edification of the church. Are you using your gifts to serve others?
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms…1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Your Gifts
How are you using your gifts to serve the Lord and the people around you? I would be interested in hearing what unique ways you have found to use your gifts! Comment below or contact me through email or social media. I would love to hear from YOU!
Check out the Spiritual Gifts Assessment provided by LifeWay and let me know if the results resonate with you!