Figuring out what we are supposed to do to be successful can be hard. You might wonder what you are even good at or how you can contribute. Or how do you even know what your gift from God is?
You were made with purpose. Every single one of us has gifts and capabilities that were given to us by God. When we don’t use our gifts, we miss out on the abundant blessings God has in store for us.
How do I find my primary spiritual gift?
God has chosen people to do this work. The best way to do this is to take time to pray, do some self-evaluation and ask others to see what you are naturally good at.
Another way, to do this is by starting to take an evaluation. You can take an assessment or survey, like the Enneagram, to figure out your personality type and hidden potential. However, there are limitations because it is a man-made tool.
It is only once we discover our first that we just ask God how we can best use them to build up each other and the church.
What does God say about spiritual gifts?
As Christians, we have been uniquely bestowed spiritual gifts with a specific kingdom-focused purpose.
God gives each one gift to work towards the greater good of the body. None is better than the other but collectively work together. You matter and unique role in building up the body of the church.
The only way to reach our highest potential is to fully utilize the gifts that God has bestowed upon us. He will equip us with even more gifts and skills to help us accomplish His greater purpose for our Iives.
Romans 12:3: For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
1 Corinthians 12:7: A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial.
James 1:17: Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.
You have a special gift to use that has been entrusted to you by Jesus! Each special gift is designed to carry out different functions in order that the whole church can achieve its purpose. You play an important role!
5 Keys to Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
You might be wondering what exactly are the keys to discovering your spiritual gifts and utilizing them for the common good. Here are some tips to help you live out your purpose.
Explore the Different Spiritual Gifts
God has given you unique abilities, talents, and gifts. This is something God has given you that makes you who you are and sets you apart from other people. We can start to learn what these gifts and talents are (if we don’t already have a good idea of them) by looking at our passion(s) and the skills that God has given us. You can explore different avenues of service until you find the one that aligns with you.
Examples of gifts and talents:
Writing
Preaching
Prophesying
Evangelizing
Teaching
Healing
Giving
Music
Singing
Leadership
Administration
Stewardship
Outreach
Women’s Ministry
Creativity
Speaking
Evaluate Your Gifts and Talents
Get honest with yourself about what your strengths, gifts, and talents are. It is totally okay to be good at one spiritual gift and not another.
Remember, God has specifically designed you for a purpose and a role in building up the body of the church. Paul compares the church to a body and how many parts are needed that all are used for a specific job. We are not to feel less than because we don’t possess the same talents as others but utilize what God has given us for His will and purpose.
You might ask questions like:
Out of the list above, what resonates most?
What are you naturally good at?
What do I enjoy doing?
What has God put in my heart to step into?
Most of all, don’t be afraid to try things out. Observe what you have experienced and see if there are any themes.
Ask Others About Your Gifts
Do you feel like you’ve taken the time to identify the gifts and talents God has blessed you with? If not, I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on your God-given talents. How do those talents impact the way you understand who He made you be and even who He didn’t make you be?
It can also be helpful to ask a spouse, other family members, or a close friend what talents and gifts they see in us also.
Use Your God-Given Gifts
You are the manager of the gifts God has given you. When God gives you a talent, He expects you to use it for His glory. Try looking for ways that you can use your gifts in your daily life.
Naming the gifts will help you fully embrace them and create actions to live out those gifts. And the more you use your God-given gifts, the more you begin to understand his purpose and plan.
Don’t compare your spiritual gifts to others
For the longest time, I envied people who could be on stage so effortlessly. Talking in front of people makes me really nervous. And in my mind, I thought those people were more valued than the behind-the-scenes people. I was discouraged.
Then God spoke to me and made me realize that my gift “behind the scenes” was just as important. Comparison is the thief of joy. Thank God that He has equipped you to serve in a way that is just as meaningful.
Prayer for Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
If you are unsure of how the Holy Spirit will bestow spiritual gifts upon you, ask for guidance. Pray for help in discovering your spiritual gifts and how you can help build up the body of the church.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you should do, what you should say, how you should serve, and with whom.
