On Spiritual Gifts
There is much to say about Spiritual gifts but in this post, I want to focus on 4 things that are often overlooked or not discussed enough (in my opinion). First, let’s start with a definition.
What Are Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are the variety of abilities, services, and activities empowered by The Holy Spirit and given to each Christian individually as He wills. Their purpose is to glorify God through serving the common good and the building up of the church.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.(1 Corinthians 12:4-11, ESV, See also 1 Corinthians 14:12;17;26 and 1 Peter 4:10-11)
1. Spiritual Gifts Are Not Limited to Talent
Contrary to popular belief, spiritual gifts are not limited to abilities/talent. They also include services and activities. This is very broad. Whatever opportunity God gives us to build up the church is a spiritual gift. This can include anything from musical talent to motherhood to cooking to scrubbing toilets.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace…—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
2. The Uniqueness of Your Gifts
No two gifts are alike. Not only are there a variety of gifts and a variety of ways in which the Holy Spirit manifests them, but also each gift is as unique as the individual who receives it is. Two persons with similar gifts (say hospitality) will manifest them differently by virtue of them being unique God’s image-bearers, with unique backgrounds, experiences, genetic makeups, environments, etc. This should be an encouragement to those of us who are tempted to compare our gifts to others and feel they do not measure up. Yes, we are called to steward and grow our gifts; but God has gifted you to bring Him Glory and build up the body in a very specific way. Find ways to use your gifts. The body of Christ will grow stronger for it.
3. The Foolishness of Envying Other’s Gifts
Consider the fact that most spiritual gifts are to build up others. Yes, the gifted also enjoys their own gift to some degree, but the goal is for others to enjoy and to be served. You are on the receiving end of whatever gift you do not have. God gave the worship leader of your church the gift of playing piano for you and others to be built up. God gave your sister in Christ the gift of baking for you and others to be built up. You get to enjoy these gifts without the hard work and resources it takes to steward them well. The same goes for the gifts that you have. See the foolishness of envying others’ gifts?
4. Giftedness Does Not Always Equal Godliness or Spiritual Maturity
It is easy to correlate giftedness to godly character or piety. Just because someone is greatly gifted - eg. in teaching, leading, singing - does not necessarily follow that they live a godly life. Unfortunately, we have seen many examples of that in the public sphere. The fact that we are so shocked when patterns of gross sin in some preacher’s life are revealed is telling. How can someone who can preach like that live like that? But even for those who do live godly lives, the magnitude of their gift may lead us to think them more pious or spiritually mature than they are.
The truth is God can manifest his power to build up His church through whoever he chooses. In Acts 3:12 Peter acknowledges that the power of God working through them is not a result of their piety: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?”.
Which of these 4 points resonates the most with you and why?
