Direction for Finding Your Spiritual Gifts

All of us have experienced receiving a gift that we didn't know what to do with. We would rather receive gifts that are both a heartfelt gesture and truly beneficial to us. There is a gift that truly fits that. It's not a gift you have to request or put on a wish list. In fact, it's a gift you've already received. It's a spiritual gift.

If you know exactly how God has gifted you and you're actively using those gifts in your ministry — great. For the rest of us though ... If you're not sure how God has gifted you or how you can use your gift in ministry, you're not alone. Read on for a brief overview of the spiritual gifts and consider how God could be using you in His kingdom.

A Spiritual Gift Is ...

A spiritual gift is a "God-given assignment, capacity, and desire to perform a function within the body of Christ with supernatural joy, energy, and effectiveness."

Let's take a closer look at each part of that definition.

A God-given Assignment, Capacity, and Desire

God chooses your gift(s). He alone decides. He doesn't give you a "gift card" so you can pick the ones you want. You don't get to choose your gift. You can only choose to "unwrap" your gift and use it. The good news is that you don't have to earn your gift either!

Charisma (plural charismata, from which we get charismatic) is the main Greek word translated spiritual gift or gift in the New Testament. Its root word is charis, which means "grace." That's why some people prefer to call them "grace gifts." You don't even have to ask God for your gift! Of course, you should pray that He will reveal your gift to you. The day you put your trust in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit took up residence within you along with the gift(s) God had predetermined for you. This spiritual birthday present is indicative of what God wants to accomplish through your new life. It's your assignment.

With your assignment, God gives you the capacity to develop your gift. Some people define spiritual gifts as God-given "ability." I prefer the word capacity because it suggests room for growth and improvement.

Along with your gift(s) will also come a divinely inspired desire to exercise that gift. As you begin to apply your spiritual gift, your motivation will become more and more "want to" rather than "ought to" or "have to!"

To Perform a Function within the Body of Christ

Ephesians 4:12 declares that God gave gifts "for the training of the saints in the work of ministry." They are standard equipment, not accessories. In Ephesians 4:12, training means "to prepare." But the same Greek word can also describe an action done to repair. It is the word used to describe the mending and preparation of a fisherman's nets (Matt. 4:21) and the restoration of a relationship gone bad (Gal. 6:1).

Ephesians 4:12 continues, "to build up the body of Christ." Spiritual gifts should benefit the body of Christ. They should never be used in such a way as to bring discredit on the church. That is why the exercise of spiritual gifts is subject to the supervision and approval of the church and its leaders. Paul reminded Timothy that he and the elders had officially recognized Timothy's gift and commissioned him to use it as their representative. They confirmed the gifts they saw at work in Timothy's life and commissioned him to use them (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6).

At the close of his extensive teaching on spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul wrote, "But desire the greater gifts" (1 Cor. 12:31).

The verb Paul used is plural. This is not a command to individuals to seek certain gifts for themselves but to the church collectively to desire all that is best for the body of Christ. God wants us to identify spiritual gifts in others, especially those gifts with great impact in His kingdom.

With Supernatural Joy, Energy, and Effectiveness

At the root of the word charis (grace) is char, which means "joy." When you discover your spiritual gift and put it to work in a ministry, you should experience a deep sense of joy. You could call spiritual gifts "joy gifts" as well as "grace gifts."

The word translated activities could also be translated "effects" or "results." You can see the English word energy in the Greek word energemata. When you exercise your spiritual gift, God provides the energy and takes care of the results. Spiritual gifts are not intended by God for you to do "busy work." They are intended to produce meaningful, purposeful results.

Most Christians long to experience a sense of call, a capacity to contribute, and an inner feeling of joy, power, and purpose. That's what is in store for those who will discover their spiritual gift and use it!

Don't worry too much about figuring out what specific gift God has given you before you start doing something. The idea is to zero in on your gift as closely as you can. Then experiment! Take on a ministry responsibility in your church where that gift can add value. Work hard. Get training to develop your gift. Observe other people who exhibit that gift.

Then evaluate. Are you experiencing joy? Is God providing the energy for the job giving you extra physical, emotional, and spiritual strength while you are involved in ministry? Are you being effective? Do others say things to affirm your own evaluation? If the answers are yes, then you have probably discovered one of your God given spiritual gifts.

Take the gift God has given you and "re-gift it." Pass it along, and use it for the benefit of the church and others.

This article is courtesy of Deacon Magazine.