“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV
and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
In these verses, we are shown the triune God. Firstly, the Spirit of God is mentioned, who gives gifts to the children of God. Then we have our Lord Jesus Christ, on whose behalf we are to serve. And we have God the Father mentioned, who empowers these gifts in us. The triune God has done everything from His side. Yet we so often hear: Where are the gifts? Yes, that is a good question: Where are the gifts?
Scripture says that we should serve one another with the gifts that the Spirit of God works in us (1 Peter 4:10-11). He still does this today. Some of these gifts are listed in various places in the New Testament, but there are many more that are not listed. The Spirit sees which gifts are lacking in the church, which ones can help the church in its situation, or which ones are beneficial for the growth and effectiveness of the church. Some lead to a certain ministry, whereby the Spirit often also assigns a certain responsibility (e.g. pastor or counselor) or a more general gift (e.g. of consolation). But every gift is important and indispensable.
Spiritual gifts for the common good
A church can only develop according to God’s vision if each individual contributes with their God-given gift (Ephesians 4:12). God gives gifts to equip, strengthen, and encourage believers, so that He can be glorified in the exercising of the gifts. The Spirit wants us to live out the gifts He has given. If we fail to do so, we are not fulfilling God’s will.
The origin of a gift of grace is always God. The Spirit of God distributes gifts according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:11). Possessing a gift is a great blessing, but it also brings with it a great responsibility to exercise it correctly and appropriately for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Since we are not masters of the gifts, but only “stewards” of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10-11), we should be aware that one day we will have to give an account of how we have used God’s gifts (or whether we have used them at all!). If the gifts are not exercised or if it is no longer the Spirit who determines the exercising of the gifts, but people, this inevitably threatens the unity of the church.
How can I recognize which gift I have?
We are repeatedly told in the Bible that we should use our gifts. But nowhere is it said how we can find out what our gifts are. Paul seems to assume that children of God will recognize what spiritual gifts they have and that the Holy Spirit will reveal them as well.
Here are some suggestions that can help you find out what gift the Spirit has given you:
· You have a special joy in a task and find fulfillment in it.
· You don’t have to be pushed to do this task, but you are drawn to it, and it leads to you fulfilling it conscientiously and faithfully out of an inner drive.
· Other members of the faith will sense that you have a special gift for something and will give you feedback.
· The use of a gift leads to benefit. It results in blessing. Are brothers and sisters particularly addressed or touched when you do a certain thing? Does it lead to God-ordained changes in their behavior or lives?
· The Spirit gives special strength to exercise the gifts. Are there tasks where you particularly feel this? And do others feel it too? There is also power and authority in every gift.
However, the Holy Spirit can also show what His will is in various other ways. We do not want to put Him in a box here or limit Him in any way.
As local congregations, we can develop a church culture that gives freedom to the gifts of the Spirit or – perhaps even unconsciously – restricts them. We can ask for God’s working and open ourselves up to it, or we can develop rigid church structures and be critically opposed to any change. The Spirit of God wants to work on us and develop us further. He also wants to change our local congregations to become deeper spiritually and more effective. That is why a congregation which allows a variety of gifts to be used in the church is rich.
A congregation should have the spiritual maturity to recognize gifts in brothers and sisters and should encourage individuals to use them, for it was the will of God who gave this gift that it should be used. Both as leaders in the church, and as brothers and sisters, let us ask God to open our eyes to recognize the gifts in the churches. Every gift that is given will be for the good of the church and for the glory of God.
If God has placed people with certain gifts in a church, we should not deny them the opportunity to develop spiritually, to grow, and to become a blessing to others by using their gifts. We also have a responsibility as a church in this respect.
Sometimes it can be helpful to simply start with a ministry in some area. God will reveal whether you have a gift that will be fulfilled in this task. Do brothers and sisters feel a special blessing and authority in this ministry? The Spirit wants to show us the gifts we have. But we must also give opportunities for them to be discovered.
However, don’t just look for what you consider ‘special’ gifts. Rather, do not hesitate to do even the smallest jobs that arise in the church. God’s Word says that we may strive for the gifts. That is true. But love for God and our brothers and sisters is above all else. In this love we may serve one another – also in all other tasks that arise.
Are you ready to use what God has given you in His grace for the glory of God and for the benefit of your brothers and sisters? He will give you the necessary strength, wisdom, and guidance to carry out the gift, task, or ministry responsibly and humbly according to His wishes. God bless you in this.
Markus Schmelzle
Pforzheim, Germany
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