ROSE AND LINDA'S JOURNAL MANY GIFTS, MANY MEMBERS, ONE BODY

1 Corinthians 12:38-31

We pray that you not only seek after and discover your gifts, but that you use them to strengthen the Body of Christ.  How though do we discover and develop our spiritual gifts?  How do we know that we know that a gift is for us?  Is it possible for us to abuse the gift[s]?

Well we are glad you asked.  We know we were given the gift of the Holy Spirit when saved.  This gift consists of many parts, some to one some to others.  God's desire is that all Christians have one or more spiritual gifts.  This includes all Christians;  men, women, and children.  While they might coincide with our natural talents they transcend natural with supernatural quality.  Both are gifts from God and should be developed and used for the Glory of God.

There is no basis for boasting or envy, each member and their gift[s] has a special place and purpose for the effective service and edification of the Body of Christ.   God will be Glorified.

1 Peter 4:10-11

Discovering your gift[s] requires three prerequisites:  Having received the Lord as your Savior; walking in fellowship [sin can hinder our gift[s]; and a desire to develop our gift[s].

We begin by asking God to show us our gift[s] Phil 4: 6-7.  He wants us to discover and use them.  Ask with confidence and expecting to receive.  Expose yourself to Biblical teachings, and other Christians who you see have and operate in their spiritual gift[s].  There are helpful books, but we encourage you to ask your Pastor or a mentor for guidance before picking one off a book shelve.

As you pray and seek God ask yourself what you would most want to do.  1 Tim 3:1

Try your hand at numerous things, if you don't try, you won't know.  This helps us learn our weaknesses as well as strengths.  This is achieved within the believers you are a part of.  Gifts are best recognized by the members of the body.

The affirmation we receive is the blessing that should result from exercising a gift.  Remember:  DESIRE INDICATES IT.  ABILITY WILL CONFIRM IT.  BLESSINGS WILL ACCOMPANY IT.

Having discovered your gift[s], you are accountable to :  yourself, others, and God, to develop and cultivate that which the Holy Spirit has implanted in you.  Spiritual gifts like natural talents are developed by practice.  Pursue opportunities and persevere in the use of your gift[s].  Be open to the counsel of other believers.  Ask Godly believers to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses and ways to improve.  Educate and develop yourself to improve your God-given abilities through books, seminars, etc.

Be careful of pitfalls.  Your gifts are not merely for personal use, your benefit is secondary.  Not used in the power of our flesh.  We don't get or improve by begging these gifts.  They are not a game or option.  Don't be in a hurry or jealous of others gift[s].  The gifts are not a source of pride.  We should not find them a source of discouragement.  It takes time and work.  They are not an end in themselves.  Avoid projecting your gift[s] on others.  Just because it is your gift does not mean it is another's gift and vice versus.

Remember the Holy Spirit is the One behind the gift.  It is His power that exercises the gifts in us.    Operate in love, all believers have gifts.

Pray and seek the Lord in all things.  Let Him be your guide.

God Bless

recj/LJG