Gifted to see what others might not notice . . .

God shows me that one list in the New Testament shows seven different gifts that He puts in the hearts of people. While every person has all seven, one or two tend to dominate, affecting the way they view their own lives and the lives of others.

Much study of these gifts reveals these seven as part of the way a person is, not just how they act. For instance, those gifted as teachers focus on data, information. They want everyone to think truth so will collect and dispense information to help themselves and others do just that. They like learning and research. A person gifted with compassion wants others to feel good, be happy and comfortable. Because of this motivation, they do and say things that will express sympathy and ease pain. Those with the prophetic gift, sometimes called the gift of discernment, want people to believe the truth about who Jesus is and know what God says. These folks are black and white in their approach to reality.

Those who study these seven gifts find that the Gospel appeals to people in different ways. That is, the teacher wants to see things for themselves and get all the facts right. They seldom go for a sales pitch but will read and study for themselves. The compassion person isn’t as concerned about that side of Jesus and the good news but is more interested in the results. They are drawn to the ability of Jesus to bring peace of heart and gladness to their soul. Those with the prophetic gift respond to the reason why things happen. They look for the bottom line.

I noticed today that the Apostle John presented the good news from what he believed was the most important truth about Jesus — that He is God in human flesh and proved it by the signs He did so that people would know He is the Messiah, God’s Son. The result for them would be eternal life:

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30–31)

When I was a new Christian, someone told me to read John’s gospel five times and the book of Romans two times. For a time, I thought that this shaped my gifts, but since realize that they were already in place. If I take a ‘gift test’ my dominant gifts are prophecy and teaching. Now it seems to me that God simply arranged this reading plan to build on the truths that were already my focus as a Christian.

These seven spiritual gifts form the motivations and qualities of Jesus Christ that become part of our lives when we believe Him and receive Him into our lives. Again, everyone has all seven, but one or two will be dominant.

We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:5–8)

A note: these are called motivational gifts according to the way they are stated in the original language, for example, “If you are a server, then serve.” The gifts become part of who we are because Jesus lives in us. The flesh can misuse the gifts, but that is another topic!

John seems gifted in prophecy (speaking what God says) and his focus is on the divinity of Christ, the truth that He is the Messiah and has come that we might believe and have life. Yet this message is not restricted to the mouths of those who speak for God; it is a message for every Christian, our good news for the world. It can be presented in varying ways that appeal to the varying perspectives of others.

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Jesus, You performed many signs or miracles, marvelous events that revealed the supernatural power of God, but these were not mere stunts. You did it to communicate truth, a message to a needy and lost world. I need only to read the daily news (or investigate my own heart) to realize humanity is still needy. We still need to hear and see the truth about You and believe that You are our salvation, our Savior. You are the Son of God who came to give us life eternal. You also gave us gifts so we can glorify You. These miracles are awesome yet why You did them is even more incredible.