Spiritual Gifts in Action

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms."
1 Peter 4:10


I tend to over think. That being said, I often end up with a seemingly never-ending series of questions running through my head: Am I using all of the spiritual gifts that I have been blessed with? Are these gifts being used in the most productive way possible? Am I even aware of all of my gifts or are there any that I have yet to discover? Have I passed by opportunities to discover these unknown gifts?

As much as I would love to have a formula to solve each one of the questions that runs through my mind, no such solution exists. What I do know is I have been called to use my spiritual gifts in service to others. This seems like such a simple concept on the surface; Whatever you do, do it for the Lord. However, there is so much more to consider: How do I know what I am gifted with? How can I use these gifts for God? Is it possible to misuse my gifts? The questions go on and on.

First, I must note that there is a difference between voluntary service and Biblical responsibility. Voluntary service is the chosen application of spiritual gifts, whereas responsibility is the obligation of seeing that the commands of God are lived out. You could help out as a greeter at church on Sunday morning (voluntary service). In contrast, you should look after orphans and widows (Biblical responsibility). According to 1 Peter 4:10, using your gifts to serve others is a responsibility. However, the way in which you carry out this responsibility is a choice that will look different depending on how you are gifted.

Figuring out how you are spiritually gifted requires some experimenting. I recently learned that firmly rolling a lime on a hard surface before cutting it helps loosen the juices from the fibers of the fruit. Hand squeezing a lime that has been rolled allows for juice to be more easily extracted than if the lime hadn't been rolled. Similarly, by testing the waters in various service opportunities to figure out where you are gifted, your service can become more fruitful and passionate. If you do not believe wholeheartedly in the mission of a ministry, your ability to be effective in that ministry is compromised.

Do some research. Find different ways to serve in your church and community. Try those which look appealing to your interests. Step outside of your comfort zone and experiment with service opportunities that might not sound like something you would excel in; The outcome may very well be surprising. Pay attention to what comes naturally and what requires conscious effort, but do not mistake ease for a gifting or difficulty for a lack of gifting. Just as a slingshot given more tension causes a pebble to travel further, the tension of a challenge presents an opportunity for growth. Invest enough time in various opportunities to give your areas of gifting a fair assessment.

Each organ in the human body serves a specific purpose. All of these organs work together help keep the individual alive. Similarly, we have all been given unique strengths and weaknesses, which allows the body of Christ to properly function. Because each piece is essential, do not fall into the trap of comparing your gifts to others'. Countless times, I have been held captive by the fear of not being good enough. This fear stems from using another person's abilities as the standard of comparison. The only standard of comparison I should ever use lies in my pursuit to resemble Christ. In saying this, it is essential to recognize that no spiritual gift is more prestigious than any other. They are all God-given and meant for the same ultimate purpose: to glorify His name.

Once you are able to figure out where God has gifted you, use the gifts! He did not give them to you so you could let them sit on the shelf of your identity and look nice on a resume; He gave them to be used for His glory. If my spiritual gifts were tangible objects, I would hope that they would look tattered and torn from excessive use! Delight in serving the God who delights in you.