Every believer is the
recipient of at least one spiritual gift freely given by God. A gift can’t be
conjured up, or willed or merited: it is by His wonderful grace that we receive
these good gifts to serve Him and the Church.
I have taken more than one spiritual gift inventory, but, as Nora Ephron famously wrote, “I remember
nothing.” I honestly don’t remember what these inventories revealed, probably
because after reading the results, I was busy chasing after toddlers. What
became a more effective method of determining how God gifted me to participate
in His kingdom was trial and error over time.
Now to each one the
manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Our spiritual gifts may be
deeply entwined with our natural strengths, but when we are empowered to follow
God, our natural gifts take on a whole new dimension and meaning. I have found
that to be the case for me. I have
been singing and writing since I was a small child--I was no prodigy and didn’t
have much guidance or know-how for expanding those gifts beyond the usual, but
they were definite areas of interest and strength.
As I grew as a believer,
my natural gifts took on a new dimension. For instance, I discovered I could not only enjoy worship
(which I did not early on, because I was reserved and too embarrassed to show
my joy) but I could also lead worship effectively. Through being mentored and
encouraged by more experienced worship leaders who saw in me what I could not,
I was able to step out in faith and discover how God could use me to help the
Church to worship. Taking risks is an important part of growing in the gifts
God gives.
My ability to write is
intertwined with gifts of teaching and guidance. I want to encourage and help others to grow in the Word, in
their faith and in individual growth and empowerment. The trial and error method continues, as I seek God’s
guidance for specifics on how I am to use these gifts.
Last year I created a weekly
summer Bible study that combines my love to write, to teach and to serve/be
hospitable: I host “Stories on the Porch” at my home, complete with a front
porch, an original Bible study, scones and tea. Those attending asked me all year if we could do it again,
and now it is an annual event.
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).
For those who struggle in identifying the spiritual gifts God has given them, I suggest seeking the insight of a trusted, mature believer. Inventories are also a good tool, but so is listing one's passions and interests, and the gifts/talents inherent in those areas. No one is left out from participating and expanding God's kingdom--and as long as we grow our gifts in love and service to others, we bring glory to our generous Creator.