Can we learn to be good at all of the gifts? Even a small amount? Are we just good at the gifts we have brought out?--Spiritual Gifts FAQs
Question:
Can we learn to be good at all of the gifts? Even a small amount? Are we just good at the gifts we have brought out?
Reply:
It is clear from Scripture that no one has all of the gifts. However, if gifts are a reflections of pieces of the character of God, as we submit to Him and are more and more transformed into His likeness, we will exhibit more behaviors that are synonymous with the gift behaviors. That does not mean that these actions are gifts, but likely the result of our humble surrender, our commitment to spiritual disciplines, the evidence of fruit of the Spirit in our lives, and our growing spiritual maturity as disciples of Christ.
For example, we are all called to tell the gospel story of Jesus and our own experience of life with Him to others who do not yet call themselves His disciples—evangelism. But, there are some among us who have the spiritual gifts of Evangelism—who see results that we might not see—when they tell the story.
We are all told that part of our stewardship of resources given to us by a generous God is to tithe a portion back to Him and His work. This is an expected obedience. However, there are those in our midst who have the spiritual gift of Giving—who don’t think in terms of “tithe” but in terms of living on the least amount in order to free up the most of their resources to be given away.
We are all to be merciful…but, those with the gift of Mercy find that that deep compassion is their first response in any given situation (whereas those of us with Wisdom might offer advice, Intercession might pray, Administration might help with practical planning…).
This most certainly also applies to Intercession, Hospitality, Helps, etc. You get the idea…
At the same time, the Lord can give us any gift for the situation in the moment or perhaps just for a season. The point is, spend time initially focusing on the spiritual gifts God HAS given you (your top 3-5 results on the assessment). Seek what He would have you do with these. This will take away the focus on the gifts you do not have in this season and keep you centered on what the Gift-Giver most wants of you.
Important resources:
Take this free spiritual gifts assessment or this free Spanish language spiritual gifts assessment.
Purchase the six-week workbook in English or Spanish:
DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition)
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, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis.
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