Finding your spiritual gifts is a little like peeking at the gifts under the Christmas tree. The gifts are already there, waiting to be used. They've been purchased, wrapped and lovingly given.
But all of the gifts are for the sake of others. They aren't toys or facial creams or the latest hot band's CD. They are gifts to serve with, gifts that still belong to the Giver and who will use them for his best purposes.
Want to learn more? Download this great article on Spiritual Gifts.
Discuss: what excites you about knowing your spiritual gifts?
Sermons: Gifts of the Spirit, Gifts of the Spirit 2.
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1 comment:
Hi Drew,
I appreciated your perspective on tests and surveys for spiritual gifts in last Sunday's message. I have taken a few of those surveys, and while on the whole they generally confirmed themes I and others had already recognized in me, I have for a while thought that, in contrast to the study-and-take-lots-of-surveys method, the best advice for someone seeking to discover their gift/s is similar to a scene from the M. Night Shyamalan movie, "Unbreakable."
Bruce Willis' character in the film is realizing he may have some special power, but does not yet understand its purpose or fully recognize how to use it. The person more experienced in such things counsels him, (unfortunately, I am paraphrasing here-- Netflix does not have the movie available for instant streaming to check) "go be around people." That when he is around others, his powers and how to use them will become clearer.
Likewise, it seems a great way for us to discover our gifts and the gifts of those around us, is to be around one another. To put ourselves in situations where others may need what we have, may be helped by whom God has made us.
I think community groups are one good venue for that. I wonder if we should emphasize that a little for community groups this fall? Encourage leaders to watch for the gifts of members. Solicit members' thoughts about how God has gifted them. And spur the whole community to recognize and call out the gifts of those around us. It can be so meaningful for a friend to say something like, "I noticed you always make people feel so welcome and at home around you-- I think you might have the gift of hospitality." Or "Everytime you help explain something it seems so much clearer to me. Do you think you might have the gift of teaching?"
All of that becomes possible when we are out there with each other, doing life and church together, helping one another, putting ourselves "out there."
So when someone asks me how to discover their spiritual gift/s, I say, "go be around people" or more specifically, "come join our community group."
BTW, its great to see all the blog posts. Keep it up! It may take a while for all of us to notice, but don't let that slow you down.
P.S. Our group meets alternating Tuesdays in Mountain View --in case any of you out there are looking for a place to experience small group community and exercise your gifts in a circle of friends!
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