Gifted by God

Many years ago my sister went to a seminar on spiritual gifts. She shared with me what she learned and it became my focus for a time. I’ve taught several seminars, church leaders and individuals the principles that I learned.

While some lump all these gifts under one heading, the Bible seems to indicate three categories. There are gifts that manifest or reveal the Holy Spirit in a Christian when they are needed, such as the gift of wisdom, or healing, or speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 12). There are gifts of people given for special leadership tasks to equip the Body of Christ for ministry (Ephesians 4) and there are gifts of motivation that give believers the drive or desire to think and act in ways related to that gift (Romans 12 and 1 Peter 4).

However, the Bible makes it clear that we are never to wrangle over gifts, take pride in them, or use them for self-glory. These gifts are to build up the Body of Christ, to encourage godliness in each other. This cannot be done if they are not used, misunderstood, or misused.

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:27–31)

The ‘more excellent way’ is in the next chapter, the famous one that describes the love of God and how vital it is in all that I do. Without it, my speech is just noise, my faith is useless, and any sacrifices I might make are without gain. Love is considering the needs of others above my own.

It is easy to see the connection between love and spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says their manifestation is for the common good. Ephesians 4:12 says they are for the common good. Romans 12 says we are motivated in different ways to bless one another as members of the same body. That is, not everyone is an eye, or a hand, or a mouth, but all are needed. 1 Peter says we use those gifts to serve one another.

I’m particularly drawn to motivation gifts because they help me understand why people respond in different ways to the same situation. One illustration is what might happen if someone spills their dessert . . .

The leader might send someone for a mop, another for a broom and dust pan. The prophet or discerner might say something like this is what happens when you are not careful. The teacher might explain it spilled because it was too heavy on one side. The server might offer to help clean it up. The giver might offer to pay for it. The exhorter might say next time we can make sure it is put closer to the middle of the table. The compassion person might tell the person it could have happened to anyone and give the person a hug.

I say ‘might’ because if love is involved, the responses will depend on who did the spilling: a small child, an elderly person with shaky hands, or a youngster who was careless.

Spiritual gifts explain why others do what they do. For example, the compassion people are touchy-feely in situations where a teacher might see the problem as a lousy way to think. Conflict is avoided by understanding the perspective of these gifts, but also exercising that ‘more excellent way.’

For this and other reasons, Tozer writes, “The Holy Spirit desires to take us and control us and use us as instruments and organs through whom He can express Himself in the body of Christ . . . The Spirit of God, His presence and His gifts are not simply desirable in our Christian congregations; they are absolutely imperative.” I agree!

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Lord Jesus, not all of us have a full understanding of spiritual gifts, but we do know that we are to love one another. May love be the operative word in my life. I know my gifts and desire that You use me to express Yourself, yet without love, anything I do will fall flat, even do damage. For this reason, I ask You to deepen my love for others. I want them to see You and know what You are like.

In God’s Care

2 Samuel 5:1–6:23, 1 Peter 4:1–11, Psalm 136:1–26

Yesterday the Lord gave me words for a mission statement that will be presented to the leaders in my church. It outlines the purpose and plans for a ministry to our community. Even with my years of experience, I am shaking in my sandals.

I’m encouraged by David’s story. I’m reading when he has been anointed king. One of the duties of a king is to protect the people from their enemies. As I read it, I’m thinking David had a far greater challenge than mine. What did he do to ensure success? The answer is obvious . . .  

Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. (2 Samuel 5:18–20)

David’s battle plan was simple: pray and obey. Fighting the Philistines was never easy, but when God ensures a win, then the battle can be fought with confidence.

And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer. (2 Samuel 5:22–25)

David’s third strategy was also simple: Do the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way. I’ve noticed God’s methods are much different than ours. He seems to come up with fresh solutions for everything. What worked yesterday is not the answer for today. Each battle and each victory is unique. Again, pray and obey. Seek His face and follow His directions. As David did that, he “became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10)

Today’s NT reading is about spiritual gifts. David was a gifted leader. This is not my main gift. This new ministry may depend on it though. I must continually seek God’s will. Does He want me to lead in weakness, or will someone else to join the work and do it with their giftedness?

He says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.” Amen. (1 Peter 4:10–11) I’m okay either way!

David’s story has reminded and encouraged me about God who cares for His people. “It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:23–24)