Finding and Using Your Gifts

Victor James - Kids Director

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.  

The title of this devotion assumes that you have gifts.

As a member of the body of CHRIST, we are called/expected to participate in the work of the LORD and use the gifts we’ve been given. (Romans 12:1)

There are several places in the Bible that talk about our spiritual gifts and how they are to be used to care for others in the Church so we can all do GOD’s work. (Romans 12: 2,3-8, 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11, 1 Corinthians 12: 27-31, Ephesians 4: 11-13)

When we participate in GOD’s work we come under his protection and move into his will. (Psalm 91, Romans 8:28)

The Devil is the father of lies (John 8:44), and he would like nothing more than to destroy your ministry before it starts. By doing so he also hurts those to whom you are called to minister.

We see these gifts organized into various areas of ministry. The outline below isn’t intended to be comprehensive but to give you an idea of how the gifts of the Spirit can be used.

1.        Gifts of service

a. Helps: caring for the physical needs of others.

b. Compassion: showing care for those who are suffering or in distress.

c. Organization: handling works of administration, organizing events and supporting volunteers.

d. Giving: Generously giving resources to support ministry works.

e. Graciousness: Welcoming others and making them feel part of GOD’s family.

f. Leadership: Guiding and managing others toward accomplishing the goals set by pastoral leadership.

2.  Vocal

a. Teaching: Explain and apply scripture clearly. Help others grow in spiritual maturity.  

b. Evangelism: Sharing the gospel with non-believers.

c. Wisdom: Understanding spiritual truths (a discerning spirit,)

d. Pastoral: Spiritually guiding the church. Nurturing those seeking to know GOD.

e. Worship: Singing, dancing, praying, instrumental

3. Miraculous

a. Prophesy: Encouraging others to turn to GOD. Pressing in to hear what GOD is saying to edify, encourage, and equip the body.

b. Tongues & Interpretation: Speaking in unknown tongues and/or interpreting tongues spoken.

c. Wisdom: Discerning what is from GOD and what is not.

d. Miracles: Operating in supernatural powers.

e. Healing: The authority to restore, physical, spiritual, physical health.

f. Faith: Unwavering knowledge that all things will be made to work for the good of those who love and are called by HIM.

We are all called to be a part of the body of Christ and participate in HIS work by our gifts.

What are your gifts?....

Do you enjoy the company of other Christians and their fellowship? Perhaps you are called to a ministry of hospitality and grace. (1) (e) Think: church greeter, coffee cafe, cleaning/maintenance crew.

Have you been through rough times? Do you have a testimony of GOD’s grace and the power of HIS deliverance? (1)(b), (3)(f) Think: Share your experience with those who are going through the same trials. Stand by them, pray with them, be an encouragement to them. Show them they are not alone.

Do you have a talent for seeing the “end product?” Are you able to organize, motivate, and guide others toward a common goal? (1)(c), (1)(f) Think: Leading volunteers, assisting ministry leaders, and organizing workers/schedules.

Have you been blessed with resources? (1)(d) Think: giving gifts beyond your tithe to support missions, projects, ministries and those doing physical work. Do you have a location/membership that can be used for bible study or fellowship groups?

Do you have a desire to pray and intercede on behalf of others? (1)(b), (3)(e)(f) Think: prayer group. Diligently pray for the body of CHRIST locally and globally. Lift up those in need and pray for those who require spiritual, physical, emotional healing.

I encourage you to seek GOD’s will this week by praying daily and asking GOD to show you where you can be a blessing to others. GOD is the one who gives us the strength to do the work HE has called us to. When you seek HIS will first, he promises to guide us. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Action: Make a goal to contact your pastor or a church elder for guidance and get plugged in!