One of the things that has amazed me in life is the different types of giftings people have in their lives. As an example - I feel God has gifted and called me to be a pastor. I'm a communicator. I enjoy being with people and enjoy helping them through life's problems.
Yet, when I compare myself to both of my daughters and sons-in-laws I am overwhelmed with how diverse we all are. I have one daughter who is a very gifted artist, one daughter who is a gifted mathematician, a son-in-law who works on engines and knows how to build one from the bottom up, and a son-in-law who is professor, librarian and a gifted theologian.
That is just in my family alone. Not to mention all the other giftings that people have like carpenters, jewelers, teachers, artists, computer geniuses, etc. The list literally could go on and on.
When I first started pastoring there were two young men in my church who were jewelers. They literally could take and fashion a ring or necklace out of a lump of gold or silver that turned out immaculate and costly. I would watch them work and feel so small in my understanding or gifting next to them. Yet, if they got in front of people, they would stumble in their words and would be very awkward in their presentation.
What is amazing is this - God made us all so different. We are all wired differently. God didn't put all the giftings in one pile. He spread them out and continues to do so in all our lives.
Ephesians 4 gives us some understanding about gifts and giftings from God.
1. Everyone Is Given A Gift – v.7
Eph 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
2- Our Gift Comes From Christ – vv 8-10
Eph 4:8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:9 (Now this, "He ascended"; what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
3- A Listing Of The Gifts – v.11
Eph 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, People often wonder what type of gifts do they possess. Here are some guidelines:
1- What comes naturally?
2 – What moves you spiritually?
Rom 11:29 God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them. (NCV)
3– What is it that you do that seems to have the blessing of God on?
John MacArthur once said that “A Christian who does not have a ministry is a contradiction in terms.”
1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT - A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
On Saturday, March 14th, we will have a Spiritual Gifts Class at New Life Chapel. May I encourage you to call the church and be part of this class about discovering and deploying the gifts that God has given you? May I challenge you to go deeper and to become the person God has called and gifted you to be? You will be both blessed by God and then a blessing to others.
Find your gift and use it!
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