Spiritual Gifts FAQ’s #1

Q: How can I ask for more gifts?

A. For starters, I always like to refer back to Scripture for grounding: You might want to spend some time in 1 Corinthians Chapters 12-14. In these chapters, Paul is clear that we don't choose our gifts, that no gift/s are more important than any other gift/s, God chooses the distribution of gifts (not us, not your pastor or prayer team, etc.), and that the Corinthians who were desirous of certain gifts over others were more focused on the benefits to themselves than the church as a whole. They were also caught up in a celebrity culture—which contributed to their desire for what they thought were more flashy gifts (Tongues being in that category for them).

That said, most followers of Jesus have a mix of somewhere between 4 and 7 gifts. [Take the free online assessment now.] Your actual numerical scores don't matter as much as the position of the gifts on your list. 

You can certainly ask God for gifts. We can talk with God about anything. We can boldly make requests. However, remember it's up to the Lord to determine which gifts He gives to you, when, and in what context. The gifts you have received will help shape your calling and service. They are unique contributions to the faith community of which you are a part. You may not get the gifts you wanted, but you will receive the gifts that are needed—based on God’s perspective.

God’s purpose in giving us gifts is He might ultimately receive the glory, that His church become stronger, and that the world is reached with His shalom.

(For more on gifts, check out the Resources page at GodGiftsYou.com. Take the free assessment and see what gifts God has bestowed on you to contribute to the whole.)

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo (c) Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.