“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)
Every believer is given a gift of the Spirit for the common good. The gifts listed in 1 Corinthians are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues (see 1 Corinthians 12:8–10). If you are a believer, you have at least one spiritual gift.
But I find that many believers fail to grasp that they have a spiritual gift or even that there is a thing such as spiritual gifts. Part of the Spirit-filled life is to recognize your spiritual gift and then put it to work for the “common good” of God’s kingdom.
But it is hard to put a spiritual gift to work if you don’t know what your spiritual gift is. Maybe you have taken a spiritual gifts inventory. That may be helpful to a degree, but there are better ways. We learn so much more through real life experience than we learn in a classroom setting. The Spirit-filled life is something that is much more caught than it is taught. I don’t envision Jesus handing out spiritual gifts inventories to the disciples. Spiritual gifts are learned by doing. There is a process of discovery.
A great challenge is that the life of faith is America has become one of observation more than participation. We have seen a shift in many contemporary worship experiences where church members become spectators of a performance. This happens in traditional churches as well. We listen to a band (or a choir) do their number. Then we hear a lecture by the pastor and go home. Our participation is limited to giving an offering. The result is that we are often unaware of our gift because we have only watched other exercise their gifts.
The point is that you have been given a gift to share. The more you share that gift, the more that gift will grow. The more you exercise faith, the more he will pour into your life. The more you exercise generosity, the more he will pour into your life. Know that you are never going to out-give God. Those who are faithful with a little, he will give more.
When you fail to use your gift, there is part of us that is missing. There is no one else that can do what you can do. You are the only one who can fulfill your role.
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27, ESV)
Like the body, there are different functions for different parts. The different parts are qualified for different tasks. Some parts of the body can compensate for other parts. Sometimes you can use your feet to pick something up. But feet are made for walking. While other parts may be able to compensate, no other part can replace.
So it is with the church. The church can compensate without you, but it could never replace you. You are unique, important, and valuable. You have a role to play. You have gifts to use. Make them count!
Questions for Reflection
- What is your spiritual gift?
- How did you learn what your spiritual gift was?
- How do you use your spiritual gift for the common good?
- Share your comments.
Danielle says
I’ve often pondered this exact question. . But I can’t seem to pinpoint one exact definite answer. I like to believe I was given a gift of healing.. having been thru several jobs in the past,I always seemed happiest and moat fulfilled in the medical industry. .I went to school to get my medical assistance cert and certified nurses aid..Working with people who are sick or injured and knowing I’m playing a positive role in helping them heal or recover from illness .and making personal connections with each one of them.always seems to be what I think I do best.and most enjoy..but then,I also am told constantly and complimented just as often on what they refer to as my “gift ” with children. I’ve also in the past,and still do a lot of work with children. .I regularly care for a 4 yr old boy and a 10 yr old boy in my home as well as my own 3..and other neighborhood children are always visiting and the house at any point is filled with kids ..and I really do get just as much joy from that as I do the medical.and have been drawn to both .so having said that, I’m not sure if patients and nurturing are considered gifts too but if so, that’s what I believe my gifts are
Danielle says
Patience not patients lol
Phil Ressler says
Hi Danielle- thanks for sharing. It sounds like you have wonderful gifts of compassion and mercy to go along with healing. Thank you for serving the Lord with your gifts!