Now concerning spiritual gifts brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.
As believers we are exhorted to not be ignorant about five topics specifically. Ironically it is often these very topics many of us are most uncertain of. We are not to be ignorant of Old Testament typology ( 1 Corinthians 10), the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4), Satan’s tactics (2 Corinthians 3), Israel’s future (Romans 11), and spiritual gifts. Each of us are given a spiritual gift(s) to use during our Christian life. Every believer, upon the moment of salvation, possesses such a gift.
Without a doubt, spiritual gifts are a serious matter. We exist to live for God and make our life one of not only praising, but also serving Him. Service is to be a core issue in the Christian life. It is critical for our part in the body of Christ. We have been gifted to serve, and service is a part of the believer’s joy.
How? There is joy in discovery and use of God’s gifts to us. The result is living out a purposeful life as God intends, using one’s gift to build-up the church body. This in contrast to living for ourselves… simply getting though the daily grind or living to fulfill a so-called bucket-list.
A spiritual gift is a God-given part of every believer and is used in every area of life–in the church, home, at work, spare time etc. … there is not a place or time where they are not valued. These gifts are how we are extensions of Jesus Christ in the presence of those around us, foremost in the church. Beware of ignoring them, or burying them in your life (see Matthew 25:14-30).
What are these gifts? They ‘re listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Peter 4:11.
How does one discover their gift? First study and pray through the lists in the texts just mentioned. Give a realistic assessment of your desires, spiritual strengths and abilities. Consider that which seems to come more easily and with desire for you. Give weight to the invitations you are receiving for participation in the body. Ask! Yes, ask mature, wise believers who know you and are desirous to see you grow in your walk with God. Mature believers have an important role to hold up a figurative spiritual mirror to us, so that we can see our unique range of gifts more clearly.
Finally, be honest and humble. Well-known Bible teacher from decades ago, Dr. Harry Ironside used to speak of the many men who felt they had the gift of preaching, but were so frustrated that no one had the gift of listening! These are spiritual gifts, not natural talents, so we must have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us and give us insight & wisdom in these wonderful matters.
Maranatha!