Christian, you have been given at least one spiritual gift so you can partner with other Christ-followers to continue God’s work here on earth. Do you know what your gift is? Are you using it?
How do I know what my spiritual gift is?
If you have truly repented of your sin and asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior (learn more here), then you have at least one spiritual gift.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.
1 Corinthians 12:1-7 (NKJV)
There are several ways to discover your spiritual gift(s). I recommend using a bit of each in this order:
1. Pray
It sounds simple, but I am afraid many people skip this important step. Pray and ask God to show you what your spiritual gift is.
2. Learn about Spiritual Gifts
What are the different spiritual gifts? What types of gifts are there? How do they work together? We will be looking at all of these questions in our blog posts this month.
3. Take a Spiritual Gift Inventory
There are lots of spiritual gift tests or inventories from which you may choose. Here is one, “Gifted 2 Serve” by BuildingChruch.com, I have used for adults. I especially like its explanations of the gifts.
Remember that these spiritual gift tests or inventories are only starting points. The results you get are not the final word. It is simply a place to begin your investigation. You have to try different things and use your gifts to really know what they are.
4. Try gifts on for size
How do you know you don’t have the gift of teaching, for example, unless you try it? The same could be said of each of the gifts. Spiritual gifts can surprise you because they are by nature God working through you.
For example, I’ve said before that I get very nervous when I am going to be in front of a group of my peers. I get nervous enough that people around me notice. Just before I speak, sing, or teach in public, I can’t sit still. I don’t like to talk to anyone because I am trying to give myself a pep-talk. I am visibly nervous.
But, a funny thing happens when I step out and begin to teach. The Holy Spirit takes over. I have prepared, prayed, and practiced, but when I actually speak, it’s like none of that matters. I have a “peace that passes understanding” (a peace and calm that doesn’t make sense apart from God, Philippians 4:7). This only happens when I am teaching from the Bible.
As you try different spiritual gifts, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I enjoy this?
- What is difficult about this?
- Do I find this easier than I expected?
- Would I want to do this again?
I recommend trying something at least 2-3 times. You need to know for sure that the first time was not just a fluke.
HELPFUL HINT: Many churches are desperate for teachers and leaders because those called to serve have not stepped up to do so. If you don’t want to be locked into something you later find is not a good fit, talk with the director before you start. Ask to try it for about 3 weeks. You can also ask to observe someone else once or twice before you begin. If you and the director know what to expect going in, you will have less trouble saying no if it is not a good fit. Look for our blog post later this month about what to do if you are currently serving in a position that is not a good fit.
5. Look and listen for feedback
When you are gifted in something, people will notice and tell you. Not just one or two people either. If people keep telling you that you are good at something, it may be because it is one of your spiritual gifts.
Now go do it!
Ok. We’ve looked at the 5 steps to discovering your spiritual gifts. Knowing how is not enough. Now it is time for you to take action. Have fun and may God bless you as you discover your spiritual gifts!
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:22-25 (NKJV)
This post is part of a Titus 2 Tuesday Linkup Party hosted by Cornerstone Confessions.
Iam a new Christian and want to spend most time in God’s word and more encouragement to be strong.
Good for you, Ananias! The main thing is just to start. Read a little each day and ask God to teach you as you do. Don’t worry if you don’t understand it all, just keep going. I recommend you also subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. You might find it encouraging as well.