Gifts From Above

Did you know that when you were adopted into God's family, you were welcomed in with gifts of love, that were specifically chosen for you since before you were even knit together in your mother's womb?  God gave each one of us special and unique gifts that we are to cultivate, grow, and use for his purposes.  He gave us these gifts out of love, but not just for our own enjoyment.  In fact, it is safe to say that the primary purpose of these gifts is much more for others; to lead the lost to the Lord and build and lift up the church. You have been equipped to be a part of this glorious mission.

There are 3 groups of gifts that God has given to us. There are manifestation gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) which supernaturally reveal the power of the Holy Spirit through a believer.  There are ministry gifts (Ephesians 4:11) that help the functioning of the church, and are often a full time calling.  And finally, there are motivational gifts.  This post will focus on motivational gifts. 

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously.  If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.  (Romans 12: 6-8 NLT) *emphasis mine

The Scriptures highlight seven motivational gifts, given to us by grace.  It is your choice and your responsibility to use these gifts to serve others.  In this Scripture, Paul tells us to use our spiritual gifts to serve others and to do it with excellence. If you are keeping your gifts to yourself,  you are not being obedient to God's command.  There is a wonderful analogy in the book Discover Your God-Given Gifts, by Don and Katie Fortune (a book I highly recommend).  They compare two bodies of water: The Sea of Galilee and The Dead Sea.  The Sea of Galilee has water coming into it and flowing out of it. Therefore, the lake is fresh and useful; it supports life. The Dead Sea, the saltiest body of water in the world, has no outlet and keeps all the water that it reserves.  Because there is no water flowing in and out, there is no life.

If you are truly flowing in one of these gifts, you are likely enjoying what you are doing and you are doing it well.  Understand that one person cannot flow in all of these gifts. Enjoy and be thankful for those who have a completely different gift than you.  Their gifting is for your benefit! We are all a small part of one body, and our strengths and weaknesses are purposefully designed so that we need each other to function smoothly as God has planned.

I believe that the Lord is asking you if you have opened up his gift to you yet. Perhaps you have and you are not sure what to do with it, or you are keeping it to yourself because your personal life is too busy.  Perhaps you fear the vulnerability or potential manipulation that can come when you serve others.  Friends, don't be like the Dead sea! Take time to seek the Lord and ask him how he would have you use this gift for his glory.  Your pastor can be a great resource for advice as well.  Have faith and open your gift from God, hand-picked especially for you.  Choose to be like the Sea of Galilee, and allow the Lord to flow through you to others.