Recognizing Your Spiritual Gifts

From Jim’s Heart—

Recognizing your spiritual gifts and how you can use them to minister to others, especially members of your church, can take time. These four steps can help you get started:

Start Where You Are

Do anything and everything you can do, until you find something you must do! When you find it, that’s an indicator that “something” is likely your spiritual gift.

When we first began attending church, Elizabeth and I did any- and everything we could possibly do. It was a joy to serve any- and everybody in any way! Over time, as God worked through us, we began to find tasks that were ideally suited to us—these turned out to be our areas of giftedness.

Start with What You Like

God gave you spiritual abilities (1 Corinthians 12:11) upon your salvation which are an inherent part of your Christian makeup. They are uniquely “you.”

As you grow and mature spiritually, and as you take advantage of opportunities to serve, these spiritual abilities will surface more and more. So what’s the best way to discover your areas of giftedness?Do what you like to do or desire to do. Doing so, plus your spiritual growth, will help confirm your spiritual gift.

Start Asking Others

Others will often recognize your spiritual giftedness before you are aware of them. So ask others what they see as your most effectual area of service. Their observations will probably indicate your areas of giftedness.

You may not recognize them as readily because they will seem to come naturally, easily, and effortlessly to you. They’ll be so rewarding, you’ll hardly notice! That’s because it’s not you, it’s the Holy Spirit. Your area of spiritual giftedness is a channel through which the Holy Spirit works.

Start with What God Is Blessing

Others will be blessed when you are using your God-given gifts. Also, your gifts will become more obvious as God blesses certain ministries you undertake.So, if you wonder what your gifts are, notice what you’re doing for the body of Christ that God is blessing.

Sometimes we can feel immobilized in our service toward God by an over-emphasis on spiritual gifts or a fear of not being the right person for the job. Remember, God uniquely gifted each of us, and we’re not to compare ourselves with others. Follow the steps above to help you identify your giftedness and begin serving God and others!

RESPOND

Dear Lord, thank You for gifting me with specific spiritual gifts. Help me use them to serve you and to benefit others in the body of Christ. All to Your glory. Amen. 

RENEWING RESOURCES 

Following God with All Your Heart: Believing and Living God's Plan for You—Find encouragement to embrace faith as you serve God. This encouraging book will help you learn God’s direction and provide what you need to do His will.

REFLECT

Have others commented on your spiritual gifts? 

How can you serve in your church, based on your spiritual gifts?

REMEMBER

God gave you spiritual abilities (1 Corinthians 12:11) upon your salvation which are an inherent part of your Christian makeup. They are uniquely “you.”