In the End…
I’ve had occasion, following the recent death of my wonderful Mom, to also reflect upon the loss of my dear Dad fifteen years ago, at the end of a 10-year illness. As this blog focuses on spiritual gifts, calling, and purpose—which are all good things, I have thought much these past days about the unique giftings of my parents. I have also listened to what others have included as part of their eulogies and condolences.
It's not that my Mom’s and my Dad’s gifts aren’t mentioned. They are. And, they were seen, consistently by many. Helps, Mercy, Intercession, Hospitality were definitely in Mom’s wheelhouse. Wisdom, Leadership, Administration, Giving were definitely in Dad’s.
However, the things that people listed even more than that accounting of gifts were character traits—the growing-into-Christlikeness-characteristics. The behaviors that ministered to others in such tangible ways. Kindness. Generosity. Self-sacrifice. Mentoring. Steadiness. Calm. Acceptance. Joy. Laughter. Humor. Intelligence. Listening. And, over all and through all, LOVE.
Together, they were a powerhouse. Their later lives were marked by intentional and deep Bible study—seeking to learn, understand, and apply Scripture. They prayed more and more and kept track of God’s answers and those for whom they were praying. Their faith was profound, real, and always growing. Both highly intelligent, they never used those smarts to make anyone else feel “less than.” When people were with them, my parents made people feel welcome, seen, heard, loved, and their loads lightened.
So, as you continue on your journey to discover, develop, and utilize your spiritual gifts, don’t ignore your character. Ask and allow the Lord to work deeply in you to bring forth the fruit of His Spirit--love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Seek to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14). If these things are foundational to who you are and how you live, your gifts will sing and a be a sign of God’s grace in the world in ways only God can imagine!
If you don’t know your gifts—or, if it’s been a while since you did a gifts assessment, please avail yourself of these free resources:
Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
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 Equipping Ministries Director at her church since 1999.
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© Photo by Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.