Biblical Spiritual Gifts Equip Us for Our Divine Assignments
- Jack Selcher
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Before we run our first marathon, it is wise to consult a doctor. The doctor can check our heart to make sure a marathon is a realistic goal.
Before we use our biblical spiritual gifts, we also need a heart check. Pride can render our spiritual heart insensitive.
It pollutes our gifts and makes their use more damaging than helpful. Pride can make us overrate ourselves (Romans 12:3).
That inevitably causes conflict. Like porcupines, we puff up our quills and jab one another.
Pride can make us underrate ourselves. Humble Christians do not evaluate themselves based on looks, intelligence, or wealth.
They focus on their God-given abilities to conduct spiritual ministry. They do not stoop to seem smaller. They are comfortable in their skin.
Humility reduces conflict. Other churches do not have to be just like ours. God emphasizes unity despite great diversity in the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5).
He uses a variety of tools. Our goal is not to be the “hammer of the month.” We are all part of one tool chest. We have different God-given abilities.
We give other believers the freedom to be all God created them to be. Romans 12:6-8 describes seven specific abilities God’s Spirit gives. There are others. Our gifts benefit God and other believers. (Romans 12:7). So, what are the seven?
Prophecy can include predictions for the future. Usually, it is communicating the revealed truth that convicts and builds up the hearers. It must involve only what God has revealed and spoken through the Holy Spirit.
Serving is meeting the material needs of believers. It equips them to complete their divine assignments.
Teaching is instructing others in Christian doctrine in a way they understand. It includes living in harmony with that teaching. It is both show and tell.
Encouraging spurs believers to have patience and perseverance by appealing to their hearts and will. It might include clapping and cheering for them to bring out the best in them.
Giving is contributing to the needs of others. We do it with singleness of heart and pure motives. Givers do not expect to receive anything in return.
Leading is the ability to govern the affairs of the church and be vigilant over the flock. Leaders do not seek to elevate themselves.
Those who show mercy minister to the sick and needy cheerfully and spontaneously.
On February 9, 1941, at the end of his speech, Winston Churchill said, “Give us the tools and we’ll finish the job.”1 God has given us the tools.
Our purpose on earth is to use them to complete our assignments. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 6,090 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 15,150 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.
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