Pop Quiz to Determine Spiritual Gifts
The New Testament writers spend a fair amount of time discussing spiritual gifts. This was an important topic as he encouraged his fellow believers to use the gifts God had given to serve the body.
But zero time is spent contemplating how to discern spiritual gifts. No quiz or a test or website (for a fee) is used to determine spiritual gifts. Paul didn’t even suggest a S.H.A.P.E test the churches.
How does that compare with today? The contrast is truly remarkable.
It seems to the New Testament writers, recognition of your spiritual gift is relatively unimportant. I say evidently – It is evident by virture of the fact that the question is just never discussed.
Even asking the question may lead to the wrong answer. Let me explain. The focus of spiritual gifts is service, service for the edifying of others. Since that is the case, it would be much more in keeping with the apostle’s instruction not to ask, “What is my spiritual specialty?” but to simply ask, “Where can I best serve?”
Within that range of opportunities God has placed before you, where can you be most effective? What are the needs that face you? And how are you best able to meet those spiritual needs?
To answer these questions is to find your spiritual gift, and it is also a check on your spirit.
We have fallen into the error, today, of finding nice, tidy answers to questions which the writers of the New Testament neither asked or answered. The burden of their teaching in this area was
1. You have a spiritual gift and,
2. You need to use it to edify the body of Christ with it.
Have you found a place to serve where you feel led to be? A place where you are able to do so effectively? Then you have found your gift and place of service.
What do you think about this topic? Start some discussion by leaving comments below.
I would say you are right on here Trace. The only thing I would add is to make yourself available and let others in the Body of Christ, whether in leadership or just the rank and file member, tell you where you can best serve.
Often when people struggle with spiritual gifts it is because they have convinced themselves that they have a specific gift. When others don't acknowledge that gift then they go from church to church looking for someone to confirm thier gift.
Humbly depending on others in the church to help you discern your gifts and how you can best serve is crucial.
I agree with what you said, but my spiritual gift of Mercy is wearing on me at the age of 48 and have compassionatly worked in ICU for 29 years. I was hoping to trade mine for another. Just kidding, I was looking for the "test" to see if I could find another "gift " > Mercy has also lent itself to destruction of personal relationships since it can be draining if not balanced. Thanks Trace.