How to Identify Your Spiritual Gifts #5
I have a laptop computer with a 4-hour battery. Although I dont have to plug it in, I prefer to use electricity. The computer runs at peak performance with electric power. The screen is brighter; the speed is faster; and the multimedia works better.
Sometimes Im at a coffee shop with very few outlets. Then I use battery power. But I know that I only have 4 hours before the power runs out. So I watch the battery indicator closely. Little by little the meter shows the power running out.
This analogy applies to spiritual gifts. Using your spiritual gifts will keep your battery fully charged. You will enjoy what you are doing and leave with a greater sense of fulfillment. You will look forward to the next time you serve people in this way.
The opposite will be true if you are performing tasks that dont utilize your gifts. Over time you will notice your energy bring depleted. At best you will tolerate the task and leave unfulfilled. You will avoid similar situations in the future.
Think about the serving opportunities in the past. Which ones did you thoroughly enjoy? Which opportunities charged your internal battery? When did you serve others and come away feeling fulfilled? And when did you look forward to the next opportunity?
Now ask yourself, Which spiritual gift was being involved in these positive experiences? That’s your spiritual gift. If youre not sure, read or re-read the series in this blog on The Spiritual Gifts.
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
