The Trinity & Spiritual Gifts: God the Father
Spiritual gifts are the shared work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and God the Father. The Spirit reveals facets of Himself through the individual gifts; Christ determines where to position His children in ministry; and God the Father pours out His power through us to bring about spiritual impact.
The national power grid is a system of energy distribution based on smart technology. The system monitors the flow of power and adjusts its distribution as needed. The power grid consists of the power source, central monitoring system, distribution channels, and end user.
This metaphor illustrates how each member of the Trinity is involved with spiritual gifts. God the Father is the power source. His power flows through us as we use our spiritual gifts. Its His power that brings about transformation in others.
Jesus Christ is the central monitoring system who positions believers as He determines. Every believer must be involved in serving. If not, Christ will re-route the power around the non-contributing believer.
The Holy Spirit is the distribution channel. The spiritual gifts are the various means of distributing and delivering the power.
Finally, believers are the end users. We have three primary responsibilities: stay connected; stay surrendered; and stay obedient. Its critical for us to fulfill our responsibilities. When we do, Gods power flows freely; Christ channels the power to His children positioned in just the right spot; and the Holy Spirit, in the form of spiritual gifts, works through us to impact others.
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.
