"We have different gifts,
according to the grace given us."
Romans 12:6
It is important to recognize that God alone is the source and giver of all gifts, spiritual and otherwise. Our responsibility is to recognize that something has been given to us, and that in gratitude and in love, we are called to use it responsibly in prayerful stewardship.
Spiritual Gifts are the abilities, special energies and tools given to us for ministry: distributed by God, through the Holy Spirit to all Christians. It is God's will to equip and empower the Body of Christ to build up God's Kingdom in the world.
And not every Christian has the same Spiritual Gift(s). We are unique in God's creation and each given different gifts at different times in our lives. Often we discover a new gift emerging to stand alongside or even replace other gifts.
Spiritual Gifts are not to be confused with the personal use of our natural talents. Those talents only become spiritual when we dedicate and use them in service to God's will.
Spiritual Gifts should also not be confused with the Fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), which are given to every Christian as the mature in the faith.
You discern your Spiritual gifts by starting with a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, then praying over the results.
The second step is to share those results with others in the faith that you look up to and trust their faithful judgement. You may also share the results in any of the small groups that you are part of. Your brothers and sisters there will help you sort out and confirm the Spiritual Gifts they see in you.
It is when our Spiritual Gifts are confirmed in prayer and by the community, the body of Christ around us, that we begin to understand and faithfully use them.
Spiritual gifts are:
- Unmerited blessings from God.
- Job descriptions for ministry.
- A means for discovering God's will.
- Guarantees of effective service.
- A means of efficient service.
- Assurances for health and growth.
- The revealed presence of the living Christ.
Motivation for using our gifts is not competition, false humility or pride, but arises out of our love for God, our gratitude for Jesus Christ and the healing, forgiveness and reconcilation he brings, and our love for all those around us.
To take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, please use this online inventory.
And please consider learning more about leadership opportunities here at Orangethorpe UMC.
