How to Identify Your Spiritual Gifts #6
As a service to women, here are several interpretations of man-speak.
| WHAT A MAN SAYS … | WHAT A MAN MEANS … |
|---|---|
| I know it’s here somewhere. | Im lost. |
| Its just around the corner. | Im really lost. |
| According to the map we should be there. | Im really lost but I wont admit it. |
Its hard for some men to ask for directions. A man is strong, confident, and independent. Asking for directions makes a man look weak, insecure, and needy. So some men would rather drive for hours in circles rather than ask for help.
Regardless of gender, you need to ask for help in identifying your spiritual gifts. Others see things about you that you dont see in yourself.
Years ago a friend and I were in a small group together. He thought his spiritual gift was leadership and asked for our feedback. We told him we thought his gift was shepherding. At first he wouldn’t accept it. Later he embraced it and has since effectively shepherded many small groups.
You need to ask others about your gifts. But be sure to ask people with a strong biblical understanding of spiritual gifts. Otherwise the blind will be leading the blind. Ask your pastor, elders, ministry leaders, or mature Christians at your church.
Above all, ask God. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).
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.
