David and Joan had just become engaged. They would soon finish their college education and then would get married. David was on the track team and had to stay on campus during that final spring break before their marriage. He couldn't stand being away, so he borrowed a bicycle and rode some 85 miles just to see Joan. Joan's mother was so impressed, she offered to drive David back (with the bicycle strapped to roof) just so the two love birds could have a little more time together.
Love can make us do some really incredible things in our lives. God desires for us to do some incredible things for His kingdom while here on earth. Doing these things begins with a passion for God. This passion will drive us to find new ways of expressing our love for Him through service to others.
The Body at Work
In your Bible, read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Notice the major things Paul was pointing out.
The whole body functions as a single unit. When someone accepts Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in the life of the individual. This presence unites every believer into the body of Christ.
Each part has importance. Within the church, every member plays an important role. While some roles may be more high profile, no one role played by a church member is of greater or lesser importance. Each member has a contribution to make and is missed when they fail to be what God has called them to be and do.
Each member must rely on the other members of our church family. While we may be able to survive on a spiritual island, if we were honest, we would all have to admit we would prefer to live in a spiritual metropolis where we could rely on others for strength and encouragement.
What Are the Benefits of Using My Gift
In your Bible, read Ephesians 4:7-13
Paul noted at least three benefits for the church when Christians exercise their gifts. These benefits are:
Strength - God has given individuals spiritual gifts to carry out the work of the church and for service to others Christians. The ultimate purpose is seen in the statement "for the building up of the body of Christ" (v. 12).
Unity - This is the result of Christians exercising his or her spiritual gift for the cause of Christ. They are all working toward a common goal, building up the body of Christ.
Growth - This growth is two fold. As the Christian exercises his or her spiritual gift, personal spiritual growth is experienced. This growth in individuals also causes growth in the body of Christ.
What Are the Gifts?
There are a variety of ideas and lists that have been developed by many people. Within our church, we have sought to focus on seven areas of giftedness. While the list is not complete, it does serve as a basic framework from which to start.
Prophecy - Declarer of the truth, pointing the way. Usually taking a stand based upon principle.
Teaching - Explainer of why things are true. Enjoys presenting what they have learned.
Exhortation/Encouragement - Communicator of care and concern. Likes to tell others how to apply truth.
Mercy - Demonstrator of care. Sympathetic to the hurts and pains others may have.
Service/Helps - Helper of others, seeking to meet specific needs. Are usually comfortable working behind the scenes.
Giving - Provider of resources. Are usually sensitive to how money is spent and used.
Leadership/Administration - Organizer of work. Evaluates the need and organizes to meet the need, drawing others in to participate.
How Can I Know My Gifts?
Acknowledge that you have a gift.
(In your Bible, read 1 Peter 4:10.)
Peter made it clear that each member of the church has received a spiritual gift when they became a Christian. It is a matter of you agreeing with what God has said in His word.
Study what the Bible teaches.
Some passages you may want to look at are 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. As you examine these passages, keep in mind that some of those gifts may be expressed in very contemporary terms in our day. The forms through which the gifts are expressed may vary from age to age.
Ask God to show you your gift and how He wants you to use it.
(In your Bible, read James 1:5-8.)
God is more concerned about you having insight into your spiritual gift, than you are in understanding your spiritual gift. If you are going to pray effectively for understanding of your spiritual gift, there needs to be a commitment to use that giftedness. God gave you the gift to make you an effective part of His body, so when you ask for insight into your gift, be ready to use it.
Try different things until you find one the Lord blesses.
You are more likely to discover your gift while you are using it, than while you are just sitting. So, instead of passively sitting by and waiting on God to show you your gift, find something that interests you and begin to do it. Find a need and begin to meet it.
Ask yourself, "What do I like to do for God?"
Some people have a mistaken idea that if they could ever find the will of God for their lives that it would be something that would make them miserable. The opposite is the truth. If you can ever find the will of God for your life, it will be the delight of your heart.
Listen to what others say about you.
Sometimes God speaks to us through others. Others may see in us a giftedness that we do not see in ourselves.
Ask yourself, "Where is my burden?"
Is there something that is a continuing concern to your heart? It may be that God is speaking to you concerning His will for your life through that burden. If you don’t have a burden, then ask God for a burden. Every child of God needs to be carrying a burden for some aspect of the work of the Lord. Burdens and giftedness can be closely related to each other.
Ask God to help you find a place in our church to use the gifts He has given to you
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