Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to Christians, enabling them to advance God’s purpose in the world and the Church. However, sadly, we live in a world where some have used spiritual gifts for selfish motives; to advance a name for themselves rather than glorifying the name of God as he uses them.
In this article, we will examine the source and purpose of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ and how to discover them.
Source of the Gifts
In the phrase ‘spiritual gifts, the word spiritual tells of their source and purpose. The gifts originate from the Spirit and are meant to serve spiritual purposes. In 1 Corinthians 12:8-9, Paul mentions four times that the source of the gifts is the Holy Spirit. It is also important to highlight that the gifts are graciously given (Romans 12:6). There is nothing anyone does to be given. The Holy Spirit gifts as he wills or sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:11). Knowing that the gifts originate from the Holy Spirit and are freely given removes any sense of entitlement from us. We must then exercise tremendous responsibility and awe in the manner we use the gifts God has given us. The Bible calls us to use the gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10). They are a means of serving in the church rather than elevating the individual who possesses the gift. Unfortunately, some have elevated the carrier of the gift above the Giver, the Holy Spirit.
Your Place in the Body of Christ
Scriptures emphasize the significance of every believer. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul emphasizes the vital role of every part of the human body and compares it to the body of Christ. The diverse gifts of Christians should enhance unity rather than breed division. Some gifted youths will sometimes opt to isolate themselves from the body; a famous statement among some is, “I left the church but did not leave God.” Such individuals deny the church the opportunity to be served by their gifts and also deny others the chance to serve them in return. All the God-given gifts allow the body of Christ to flourish in different ways. As mentioned earlier, all gifts have the same source and serve the same purpose, even though they operate differently. As we exercise our spiritual gifts, it is essential to recognize that they are not a sign or guarantee of spiritual maturity. We often encounter gifted ministers who do not exhibit a Christ-like attitude or lifestyle. Do not be misled into thinking those on the pulpit are more spiritual than others. Having a gift doesn’t make one righteous or special (1 Corinthians 14:29-37), even though the gifts themselves are.
Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts promote the common good of the body of Christ, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 12:7. They build up the church to fulfill its God-given mandate (1 Corinthians 14:12). The gifts equip God’s people for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12) while also bringing forth the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
- Building of the Church (1 Corinthians 14:12): Spiritual gifts are meant to build the life of Christians. They aid in our spiritual maturity. The Holy Spirit uses the spiritual gifts to transform our lives into Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). If, by any means, the gifts end up breeding divisions in the church, then they are likely not serving the will of God. It is the work of the devil to kill, steal, and destroy, but Christ gives life and life in abundance. Spiritual gifts ought not to produce unspiritual fruit.
- Equipping God’s people (Ephesians 4:11-12): Today, many Christians center their lives around a personality who enjoys their display of charismatic gifts. Many have forgotten that God saved us and endowed us with gifts; thus, our task is to pour ourselves out in service, not to make a name for ourselves. The fivefold ministries mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 are meant to equip us, not to enslave us around the “man of God.”
- Serving others (1 Peter 4:10-11): We are called to utilize our gifts to serve one another. Servanthood, as depicted in the scriptures, is often illustrated by the relationship between a slave and a master. The one who is served by the gift comes first. Today, the one with the gift has become the master; the focus is on the minister rather than the ministry. We must remain humble as we serve. The posture of our hearts should lean towards considering others better than ourselves at all times (Philippians 2:4).
- Glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31): Our God-given gifts are not meant to make us popular but rather to glorify God as we serve him. If people don’t love God more, revere him, desire to know him more through our giftings, then we are missing the whole point. Many people pursue signs and miracle workers rather than seeking the God of miracles.
- Fulfilling the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20): The great commission is about reaching the nations with the gospel and discipling God’s people. The apostles in the New Testament obeyed this commandment. They used their gifts to spread the gospel far and wide. As a result, many people believed, got baptized, and were incorporated among the saints.
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
- Seek God’s guidance: All gifts come from God. Only he can reveal to you what he wants you to do and where he wants you to serve. Being the owner of the vineyard, he knows where he needs workers to harvest. God can reveal to us in prayer or as we study his Word areas where he desires us to serve Him. He can use other means, as we shall discuss below.
- Seek confirmation from others: As we get to serve in the body of Christ, note the areas in which people affirm you the most. Your close friends can open your eyes to the gifts in which you excel. You can observe how others respond to you. Whenever you serve, be attentive to the feedback you receive from others, both positive and negative. Feedback helps us identify our strengths, areas for improvement, and areas to avoid. Even as you listen to what others have to say, continue in fervent prayer because ultimately, you need God’s voice to be loudest. Ask God to bring people who will lead you in the path that glorifies him the most, not the popular or easier path.
- Experiment with as many gifts as possible: Some individuals may appear to have many gifts. In such instances, there is room to start practicing all the gifts as one narrows down to one gift. Friends can help us note the areas in which we flourish the most. We can also be sensitive to our inner calmness and peace. The outward confirmation from others can often affirm the inner conviction about our gifts.
- Examine your feelings to see a sense of satisfaction: We often ignore our emotions. However, God gave them to us to convey useful information about various aspects of our lives that need special attention. Whence do you get the most satisfaction and peace as you serve? When we minister in the areas of our gifting, even the seemingly challenging type, we experience an inner sense of peace and fulfillment, unlike when we serve in unsuitable domains. Check if you feel energized and fulfilled when performing specific duties or activities. If you feel at ease and purposeful in those areas, then this may indicate where you can best serve using your spiritual gifts.
- Evaluate your effectiveness: Effectiveness is a key indicator of where our strengths and gifts lie. As we continue to serve the community of believers, we can identify areas where we are more effective in our service.
- Exercises on Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts tests have helped many individuals discover their unique spiritual giftings. They offer various facets of gifts, which can help narrow your options down to only a few.
- Be patient and trust God’s timing and purpose: Some people take many years to discover their spiritual gifts. Figuring out our spiritual gifts requires a great deal of patience. Others, for instance, when they become followers of Christ at an old age, will still need to serve the body of Christ with the gifts imparted to them. We must be especially patient when things are not progressing at our desired pace and timing. At other times, as we grow in our walk of faith with the changing seasons, our understanding of spiritual gifts may shift, allowing us to discover something new that God wants us to accomplish for his glory.
In summary, if you are yet to uncover your spiritual gift, do not despair. Entrust yourself to the Lord as you pray earnestly for him to lead you in this area. While at it, give yourself readily to serve the body of Christ where and when need arises. It is in such moments of givenness to service that your heart might just find the fulfillment you yearn for.