December 2

Spiritual Gifts

Once upon a time all the animals on the farm decided to form a school. The well rounded curriculum included swimming, running, climbing, and flying. Now to make it easier to monitor the program all the animals took all the courses. The duck was excellent at swimming in fact better than instructor, but only passing grades in climbing, and very slow in running, he had to stay after school to be tutored. This caused his web feet to become so worn he became only average in swimming. The rabbit was top of her class in running, but she developed a twitch in her leg from all the time she spent trying to swim. The squirrel was a peak performer in climbing, but was a complete failure in flying class. His body became so badly worn from the landings in flying class, he could only get a C in climbing and a D in running. The eagle was a continual problem student. She was labeled a non-conformist. In climbing class, she always beat everyone to the top of the tree but she insisted on using her own way to get there. In running class she beat everyone to the finish but she didn't play by the rules. She used her wings and no one had a chance. Finally, the eagle was kicked out of school because she didn't do things the traditional way.

We who are followers of Jesus have been given gifts too. And discovering this spiritual gift is one of the most significant steps to becoming a difference maker. Through this gift we make our unique contribution to the eternal kingdom of God. So discovering this gift should be our highest priority. The Corinthian believers were living in ignorance of their gifts. It seems clear from other scriptures that God will ask us how we used the gifts that he gave us. (Matthew 25)

A survey taken among born again adults in the USA revealed that 50% of them do not know what their spiritual gifts are. 25% do not believe they have one. This leaves 25% of the team to do the work. We need everyone in the game if we intend to win. One word of caution, there is a tremendous danger of using our giftedness apart from love. That is why chapter 13 is placed right in the middle of this whole discussion.

When people ask me how to discover their giftedness, I give them these action steps:

1. BE INFORMED - overcome ignorance, study, pray, read, talk to people.
2. BE OPEN - don't ignore any gift, but investigate each one, don't put God in a box, or yourself. 3. BE AVAILABLE - volunteer for different ministries, experiment, make time, take a chance, God finds it easier to steer a moving car.
4. BE SENSITIVE - note your passions. What do you care about deeply? What was the most significant ministry you ever participated in? If you would become independently wealthy, what would you invest the rest of your life doing? What do you do that you do well?

If your heart is with the Lord's, and you are open to his leading, you will find your gift. When you discover it, develop it and make an impact for his kingdom.