Day 803: How Do I Recognize My Own Gift? Review: Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a mans gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Thoughts for Today: I believe the Lord is looking for His church to focus upon the work He has given us, and for us to say individually, This is where Im going to serve. We need to make the development and exercise of our spiritual gifts our passion and practice. So how do we know which gift is ours? The answer is a lot simpler than you may think. Ask yourself this question: If you were the pastor of your church, what changes would you make? If your first response would be to: * Stand before the congregation to share a new direction the Holy Spirit had placed upon your heart, then your gift is probably prophecy. * Begin a cooking ministry to provide meals, or gather clothes and other essentials for people in need, then your gift would seem to be serving. * Lead an in depth Bible study to promote greater understanding of Gods Word, then you probably have the gift of teaching. * Having heard good teaching you now feel compelled to call the congregation to action, then you probably have the gift of encouragement/exhortation. * Provide tangible financial or material support for the disadvantaged, then your gift is centered upon generosity. * Organize the financial and administrative affairs of the church so things operate more smoothly, then your gift appears to be leadership. * Spend more time with those who are hurting (whether physically, emotionally or spiritually), then you probably have the gift of mercy. What would you do if you were in charge? Your answer will tell you a lot about the gifts God has given you personally. The problem is many times we evaluate others in light of our own gift. One of the most important things to understand about gifts is they are given to us individually, not collectively. Sure we might share some of the same gifts, but keep in mind, God has made each of us uniquely to serve Him and perform our role within the body. God is glorified when we maturely say, He may be different, she may be different, but were all working together because that is the way God made us and intended for us to function within His church. Questions to Ponder: Have you found your gift? Unfortunately, we oftentimes spend so much time trying to classify our gifts we never place them into practice. Pauls guidance, and my examples, are just that -- guidelines and illustrations. Worry less about the category of your gift and get busy in Gods work. That is Pauls simple point -- just do it! Have you placed your gift in practice? Are you consciously allowing God to develop it within you? Yield to His will. Begin now. How will you become actively involved in ministry? Take a step of faith.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 12:27:29 +0000
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