"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:4-6a).
1 Corinthians, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 list many of the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives us.
I know there are many different spiritual gift tests out there. Have you ever taken one? I have taken many of them throughout the last several years, and it always shows that my top 3 gifts are: administration, exhortation (encouraging) and teaching. I also score very low in helps and hospitality, which doesn't surprise me! All these gifts are equal, and not one of them is any more important than the other.
It is our responsibility to make sure that we are using these gifts to build others up and bring them closer to Jesus. The Holy Spirit doesn't give us these gifts for us to be selfish with them or abuse them. Sometimes it's easy to wish we had different gifts than the ones we have. God has strategically given us the gifts He has given us, and each one is important!
1 Corinthians 12:15-18 "Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be".
What are the Spiritual Gift(s) that you have been given? If you aren't sure, there are several online tests to choose from. This is one that I have used, personally: Spiritual Gifts Test **If you are taking one of these tests, make sure you answer the questions as to how things really are - not as how you wish you were or think you're "supposed" to be. There are no right or wrong answers! This is the only way to get an accurate result of your gifts.
If you do know the gifts that you have been given, are you using them? Many times it may not seem obvious with how we can use the gifts that God has given us. If you're not using your gifts, find a place in your local church to begin serving others. Sometimes it can take a few tries before you find out where you "fit", but if you remain faithful in searching for it, God will show you a place where your gift(s) can be used. Don't wait for the "perfect" opportunity. Step out and start serving somewhere now, because that's often how we discover where God wants us in the first place.
Thank you, Jesus, for giving us all gifts - with none being more important than the other. You have given us all a place in Your body, and each of us have a part to play. Thank you for making room for all of us. All you want is an obedient heart and attitude, and You will show each of us where to go!
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