Spiritual Gifts

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Before you read this blog, we recommend you start with the free Spiritual Gifts Test. This test will help give you a current perspective on your God-given strengths, gifts, and talents. Even if you’ve taken a Spiritual Gifts test before, or have an idea of what your gifts are, I encourage you to take this FREE test  -at the top of the page click on the link titled Adult Spiritual Gifts Test, then follow the instructions given.  If you’ve never taken a Spiritual Gifts test, or aren’t sure what Spiritual Gifts are, you’re in for an amazing journey. 

It’s fascinating how unique we are, isn’t it? How God created countless individual features and characteristics in every person. Out of a million people, nobody looks the same, talks the same, or thinks the same. God created each of us in a really special way. And when it comes to our unique gifts, some might overlap, but ultimately, we use them in different ways.

Superhero movies are big right now, and people can’t seem to get enough of them. I’m sure you read comic books growing up or watched cartoons. Which superhero, in your opinion, has the best superpower?

When it comes to Spiritual Gifts, think of them as your unique “superpowers.” Each gift is the work of the Holy Spirit who distributes them to us by His power. To understand this better, let’s answer some foundational questions.

WHO DECIDES WHO GETS WHAT GIFTS?

God alone decides.  The talents or gifts we receive here on earth are elements or reflections of the Trinity (God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit) present within each of us. Meaning our unique gifts are a part of God’s nature residing in us and should be used to serve a greater purpose.

1^st Corinthians 12:4-6
⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

WHO RECEIVES THESE GIFTS?

Every believer in Christ receives Spiritual gifts for the glory of God and the good of others. The Bible says, “He distributes them to each one just as He determines (1^st Corinthians 12::11).”

The handout titled Spiritual Gifts Definitions provides a comprehensive list, in-depth explanations of each gift, and supportive Biblical references. 

WHEN DO WE RECEIVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

Since the Holy Spirit is the only One who can distribute the gifts, they’re given  when a believer puts their faith in Jesus Christ. There are exceptions where  through adivine interaction with the Holy Spirit one receives gifts. One such example in the Bible – found in Judges Chapters 13 to 16, is Samson. He was given supernatural strength by God. We’re told that Samson was dedicated to the Lord from birth, and as he grew, the Spirit began to work in His life. He was set apart for God and given a Spiritual gift as the Holy Spirit enabled him.

Some may ask “Are we born with Spiritual gifts?” I believe we are born unique, however are given the Holy Spirit upon salvation (the saving of one from sin and its consequences, by Christs’ death and resurrection), and receive Spiritual gifts in accordance with His will and timing.

ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS STILL RELEVANT TODAY?

This is a big question I hear often today. For example, are people still laying their hands on the sick and they receive healing? This is where we have to go back to the purpose of the gifts. The Bible doesn’t say we are given Spiritual gifts so we can have a pleasant life and overcome obstacles. Instead, these gifts are given to us so we can love each other and help one another. They’re not for us, but for the common good. Each one is relevant today according to the Lord’s will.

1 Peter 4:10 CEV

Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.

The focus is about using those gifts that God has blessed us with, to serve and better His kingdom. When you recognize your gifts, it’s important to keep them front-and-center so that you continue to use them in every area of life.

Interestingly, the gift of faith leapt to number one for me when I was told that I had cancer. I’d fully expected to get a phone call saying, “you don’t have cancer.” After all, my life had been relatively untroubled up to that point. So, when I was told that I had cancer and I might only have three years to live, my mind went all over the place. However, within a short amount of time, I felt a strong sense of confidence that God was going to do something in and through me—and He wasn’t done with me yet. This is when I knew the Holy Spirit was giving me the gift of faith to overcome adversity.

My big question for you is, “Are you using your gifts?”

I encourage you to use whatever gifts you’ve been given for God’s glory and the good of others. Look for ways to help people; in the end, you’ll get so much in return.

ACTION STEPS

Which Spiritual Gift are you most drawn to? Take some time to pray, read through the handouts, and take the assessment. These are important steps for your Spiritual journey that you don’t want to skip!

I encourage you to regularly revisit your spiritual gifts. Reflect and consider if you are taking the steps to use your gifts fully and make necessary adjustments. Like anything else in life, the better you get at it, the more you’ll receive from it.