SPIRITUAL GIFTS

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

*Before you read this article, we recommend you take the free Spiritual Gifts Test. Even if you’ve taken a Spiritual Gifts test before, or have an idea of what your gifts are, take our FREE test HERE (at the top of the free text here page click on the link titled Adult Spiritual Gifts Test) to get a current perspective on your God-given strengths, gifts, and talents

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.

If you’ve never taken a Spiritual Gifts test, or aren’t sure what Spiritual Gifts are, you’re in for an amazing journey. 

A big thing in our culture right now is superhero movies. People are going nuts about them. I’m sure you read comic books growing up or watched cartoons. So, what superhero, in your opinion, has the coolest superpower? Think about your favorite superhero, what power they have, and why you think it’s so cool.

When it comes to Spiritual Gifts, think of them as your “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.

 ARE WE BORN WITH SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

Since the Holy Spirit is the only One who can distribute the gifts, they’re either given at birth or through an interaction with Him at some point in your life.

One example in the Bible is Samson. He was the man 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.

So, to answer the question “Are we born with Spiritual gifts?” I believe we are born unique, are given the Holy Spirit upon salvation, and receive Spiritual gifts in accordance with His will and timing.

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.” So, if you’re a believer, but don’t know what your gifts are, I encourage you to take the Spiritual Gifts assessment and pray about what gifts God has blessed you with. 

*Here is a handouts with a comprehensive Spiritual Gifts list, in-depth explanations of each, and plenty of Biblical references. 

WHO DECIDES WHO GETS WHAT GIFTS?

God alone decides. And I think it’s important for us to recognize that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are One. The talents or gifts we receive here on earth are elements of the Trinity that reside in each of us. He alone decides who gets what gift.

ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS STILL RELEVANT TODAY?

A big question I hear often is, “Are the Spiritual gifts still relevant today?” For example, are people still laying on hands and 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.

The focus is really about using those gifts that God has blessed you with, to serve His kingdom and better His kingdom. Yes, we use them to serve our families and grow our careers, but we also use them to serve others for the common good.

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, that’s just the way my life had gone 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. But within a short amount of time, I felt a strong sense of confidence that God was going to do something in and through me—that 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.

In closing, 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 with your Spiritual gifts. In the end, you’ll get so much in return. That’s the blessing of using a gift; you end up getting blessed yourself.

ACTION STEPS:

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