Many confuse spiritual gifts with natural talents or personality traits. It’s easy to see why – we often excel in areas that seem innate to who we are. You might hear someone say, “My spiritual gift is music because I’ve always been naturally talented at playing instruments.” However, the Bible presents a different perspective on spiritual gifts, one that goes beyond our inherent abilities.
The truth is, spiritual gifts, as described in the Bible, are not merely about refining our natural talents. They are something distinct, activated by God’s Holy Spirit at a specific moment in a believer’s life. Understanding and utilizing these gifts can be transformative, helping us to integrate different facets of ourselves and live out our purpose in a more meaningful way.
In our quest for self-understanding, we often turn to personality assessments like Myers-Briggs, DISC, or Enneagram. These tools can offer valuable insights into our personalities and tendencies. It’s fun to learn if you’re an INTJ or an Enneagram Type 3. There’s a certain appeal to categorizing ourselves and understanding our strengths and weaknesses through these frameworks. Even whimsical quizzes like “Which Disney princess are you?” (apparently, I’m Pocahontas!) can be entertaining and offer a lighthearted glimpse into our perceived traits.
What are spiritual gifts?
While self-discovery is valuable, relying solely on secular frameworks can leave us feeling incomplete. These tests and quizzes, while interesting, often fall short of providing a truly fulfilling sense of purpose and identity. It’s like trying to understand a complex machine by only looking at its exterior – you might get a general idea, but you’re missing the inner workings and the power source.
This is where understanding spiritual gifts becomes incredibly relevant. Spiritual gifts are not unlocked by a personality quiz, nor are they earned through self-improvement. They aren’t some form of psychic power or a self-help technique. Instead, they are freely given gifts, empowered and activated by the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of God dwelling within believers.
The Bible emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of all our gifts, both natural and spiritual. Psalm 139:15-16 beautifully illustrates this, describing God’s intimate involvement in our creation:
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
We are uniquely created by God, and this includes our inherent talents and predispositions. Some “gifts” are evident from birth – perhaps a natural aptitude for music, a charismatic personality, or a sharp intellect. Other abilities develop as we learn and grow, shaped by our experiences and unique capacities. But spiritual gifts represent another dimension, a set of abilities made available to us when we embrace faith in Jesus Christ.
Spiritual gifts are the key to unlocking our full potential in Christ. They are the missing piece that brings together our personality, talents, and passions in a way that is purposeful and impactful for God’s Kingdom.
Reflecting on my own life, I’ve always been drawn to the power of words. As a child, I was captivated by books. The ability of language, both written and spoken, to communicate, encourage, and inspire has always resonated deeply with me. I find joy in crafting the perfect phrase, in using words to uplift and guide others. Small talk, on the other hand, feels like a misuse of this powerful tool, a waste of words on trivial matters. I’ve always yearned for deeper connections, meaningful information, and substantial conversations.
What are spiritual gifts?
It wasn’t until I came to faith and began to understand the concept of spiritual gifts that these inclinations started to make sense in a new light. Discovering gifts like teaching and encouragement illuminated how my love for words could be channeled for a higher purpose. Suddenly, these inherent aspects of my personality, my preferences, and my natural inclinations were aligned with a fulfilling mission: to help others connect with God and understand His Word, the Bible. It felt like the pieces of a puzzle finally falling into place, a perfect fit for someone who always loved books and the power of language.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts: More Than Just Natural Talents
Spiritual gifts can be the very catalyst that brings coherence to your life, connecting seemingly disparate pieces of your personality and experiences. The realization of a spiritual gift often brings an “aha!” moment, a sense of recognition and clarity.
These gifts aren’t random or out of character; they are often subtly present throughout your life, waiting to be activated. It is our faith in Jesus that ignites these gifts, bringing them to the forefront of our lives. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us from the moment we genuinely believe in Jesus, is the Giver, Empowerer, Enabler, and Activator of spiritual gifts. He bestows these “spiritual gifts” upon us to equip us for a divine purpose: to love, build, and expand the Kingdom of God here on earth.
It’s important to understand that no single follower of Jesus possesses all the spiritual gifts. Instead, each of us receives specific gifts, contributing to the collective body of Christ. The Bible beautifully illustrates this concept in 1 Corinthians 12:12:
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
The New Testament provides several lists outlining various types of spiritual gifts. While these lists, found in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, are not exhaustive, they offer a glimpse into the diverse ways God empowers believers. We shouldn’t limit God’s creativity; He can bestow any gift He chooses, whenever and however He wills.
Among the spiritual gifts mentioned in Scripture are: Administration, Apostleship, Discernment, Encouragement, Evangelism, Faith, Giving, Healing, Hospitality, Interpretation of Tongues, Knowledge, Leadership, Mercy, Miracles, Pastoring, Prophecy, Teaching, Speaking in Tongues, Serving, and Wisdom.
God’s generosity is evident in His provision of these incredible gifts. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we gain access to abilities that were planned for us from the beginning. However, it’s crucial to remember that these gifts are not intended for self-aggrandizement. Their purpose is to magnify God’s glory and extend His grace to others.
We are entrusted with our spiritual gifts as stewards, not owners.
What are spiritual gifts?
1 Peter 4:10 emphasizes this stewardship:
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.”
We are managers, “stewards,” of the gifts we’ve been given. God’s intention is that we use these gifts to channel His grace to those around us.
Your spiritual gifts are, in essence, God’s grace in action. He gives them to you, empowers them within you, and calls you to partner with Him in His mission through them. When we use our gifts to glorify God, not ourselves, and for the benefit of others, not personal gain, we begin to experience a truly fulfilling and thriving life, aligned with our divine purpose.
How to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
If you’re eager to uncover the spiritual gifts within you, consider these questions as starting points for reflection and discovery. Pay attention to patterns in how God uses you over time and in different situations.
Begin by asking yourself: What opportunities are currently before me to extend grace to someone else today?
Reach out to a friend and ask: What do you consistently see me do that brings relief, freedom, or blessing to you and others?
Most importantly, ask God directly: Holy Spirit, would you reveal my spiritual gifts to me and guide me in using them for Your glory?
You are gifted! These gifts are not accidental; they are purposefully given for God’s purpose. The world around us is in desperate need of God’s grace, and you possess an inexhaustible supply of it within you, waiting to be released through your spiritual gifts. Embrace the journey of discovery and step into the fulfilling purpose God has designed for you.
