Are you using your gifts? Do you know what they are?

I’m sure that it is no surprise to you that we are all unique and have unique gifts. This conversation/topic has come up several times in the past few weeks, so it must be a good time to discuss it.

In the Scripture we hear about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we read about wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 12) If you start talking to people, maybe go to a class or ask God to show you your gifts, you know that it’s more complex than just those seven, you can break them further down. For example, teaching, healing, hospitality, etc.

When I ponder this, the starting point is, what are my gifts? I am not sure there is always a clear answer. We don’t always see ourselves as God (or others) see us. If you have no idea, ask your friends/family and that may give you a starting point. There are online “assessments”, I couldn’t say how accurate they are because I have not taken them. I am sure that books exist to help you. The point is, you can start in Scripture, pray, and then branch out to get more specific.

The next question that comes to mind (and what really started this conversation in my head) is, Are you using those gifts? We are all talented in many ways but that may not be the gift God want’s you to use in the world. Teaching is one of my gifts, I used it in a classroom for 23 years. I’m no longer in a classroom. I still have the gift of teaching but the venue has changed, and also the way in which I am supposed to use my gifts.

I’m not saying that your gift has to show up in your career, but it should show up somewhere i.e. friends/family/church/local charity, etc. I also think that our gifts grow and change as we grow and change. Maybe one is very strong for a long time and God shows you it’s time to use a different gift. Maybe your gift morphs into something much bigger than you can imagine.

I don’t have answers for you today. I will just invite you to join me on the journey of exploring the spiritual gifts and looking to see where and how I can use them.