Spiritual Gifts 101: Why?
Why are spiritual gifts given?
Remember how exciting it was on Christmas morning. As a child it seemed like you had received a pile of gifts for your use and enjoyment. Parents give their children those gifts because they love them. Similarly, your Heavenly Father gives spiritual gifts to you because you are His child and He loves you. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
When Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell believers at the moment of their conversion. The Holy Spirit IS the gift. Every believer has at least one or more spiritual gifts. Although God can do His work on earth on His own, He has chosen to work through believers to accomplish His purposes. The Spirit tends to work through you in a specific way in serving others. YOUR gift is how the Spirit typically works through you in ministry situations.
While it’s wonderful to receive a gift, it means little unless you actually use the gift. God gives you your gifts to serve others. According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” The Spirit works through your gifts to serve others; similarly, God works through their gifts to serve you. Whenever believers all use their gifts, it results is a larger, more mature Church.
Why is it important for you to know your spiritual gifts?
The topic of spiritual gifts is one the most important truths in the New Testament; sadly, it is one of the least topics taught and understood. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). So it’s vital for you to know about spiritual gifts, identify your gift, and use it for the common good. There are at least three benefits in knowing your spiritual gifts.
First, it is the main answer to why God put you on earth. Romans 12:7-8 explains, “Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift of teaching should teach.Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.”
God has given you spiritual gifts to serve your brothers and sisters. Be a good steward in using your gift in the strength God provides. In 1 Peter 4:10-11 the Apostle wrote, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.”
Next, knowing your gifts points to the role you should play in the church. If your gift is shepherding, volunteer for the small group ministry. If your gift is intercession, be part of the prayer ministry. And if it’s evangelism, become part of the evangelism team.
Finally, knowing your gifts will help you set ministry priorities. If your gift is prophecy, don’t serve as an usher. If it is encouraging, turn down an offer to lead a special project. And if it’s administration, then decline opportunities to teach Sunday school. Focus on what God has equipped you to do.
© 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.
