Dear Cornerstone family,
We explored the richness of Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts last week in worship. Following the message, a number of you asked questions about how to identify spiritual gifts. As I pondered your excellent questions, several practical instructions came to mind.
First, pray for wisdom and guidance. Since the Lord is the gracious giver of all spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7), it makes sense that we would seek His face for clarity regarding our spiritual gifts. I can’t tell you the times where I’ve been confused or perplexed about this or that, and, then, as a last-ditch effort, I will (finally) give concentrated time in prayer to the matter and, lo and behold, clarity comes. If you’re unsure as to the gifts God has given to you, or you would like to have greater clarity on how to best invest the gift God has given, start with prayer (Matthew 7:7- 11).
Second, give an honest assessment of your gifts, aptitudes, and abilities. Pay attention to what the Lord has given you a desire to do. Consider the kinds of things people come to you for. Reflect on the ways people look to you for direction and help. Note where you seem to make an impact. But do all this honestly. We have a remarkable ability to be deceived, don’t we? We’ve all had that roommate who sings in the shower and thinks himself to be the next big discovery on American Idol while everyone within earshot is cringing as if fingernails are being applied to a chalkboard. Involve people––preferably wise, godly people––who you know and trust to weigh in on what they see in you. I have found that doing this guards against the tendency to either exaggerate or dismiss gifts while laying foundations for an honest assessment of your gifts (Proverbs 11:14).
Third, look for opportunities to serve, and serve. It is interesting that the New Testament speaks of gifts often but spends almost no direction in how to find or identify your spiritual gift. A question more in keeping with the New Testament’s instruction regarding spiritual gifts would be, “Where is the need, and how can you best serve to meet it?” Studying and analyzing gifts will only get you so far. Ultimately, you must enter into the work of service and let clarity regarding spiritual gifts naturally emerge. You see it’s not musing about gifts, but, rather, active participation of service where clarity regarding spiritual gifts is revealed.
Your servant,
