Spiritual Gifts 101: Who?
One of my favorite poems, written by T.S. Elliot, is included in his short story The Elephant Child.
I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
Every first year journalism student will recognize the “Five W’s + H”: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? It’s a time-tested formula for providing the “full” story on a topic. There’s so much information about spiritual gifts that this series will use a question and answer format to provide the “full story.”
Who gives you your spiritual gifts?
God gives you your spiritual gifts. Remember: THE spiritual gift is THE Holy Spirit. Since God sent Him to live within you, God is the one who gives you your gifts. Jesus told His disciples, “I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Who has spiritual gifts?
Every Christian has at least, and perhaps more than one, spiritual gift(s). Only Christians have spiritual gifts because only believers have the Holy Spirit living within them. The Spirit’s role is vital, for without Him, there would be no spiritual gifts.
Who determines which spiritual gifts you have?
You don’t get to choose your birthday gift. The gift-giver chooses a present for you that they think is perfect for you. Similarly, the spiritual gifts you receive are “… just as he determines” God will give you the perfect gifts – the ones He knows that you will need to fulfill your calling.
Who benefits from spiritual gifts
Everyone, everywhere benefits when you utilize your spiritual gifts. First, you will experience greater fruitfulness and personal fulfillment. Next, unbelievers will accept Christ, and believers will become more spiritually mature. Third, your church will grow spiritually and numerically with greater unity and joy. Finally, the larger community will watch as the needs of others are met and perplexing social issues are resolved. But above all else, God will receive praise and honor through your faithfulness.
The Bible says, “Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace.” ~1 Peter 4:10
© 2013 Designed to Serve®
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.
