Several times in the New Testament, we see the various gifts of the spirit laid out. Abilities and knacks that God gives to individuals in order to better serve one another. As well as to better complete His will on earth. The Bible tells us that we all have one and I would venture to say that some people carry multiple spiritual gifts. Many spend great deals of time trying to discover what their spiritual gift is. A sad truth exists when it comes to the gifts though. Many seem to believe that since they lack a certain spiritual gift they are unable to perform that task or role.
Which simply is not the case. A spiritual gift does not mean someone is able to do something that no one else can. What it really means is that they are naturally good in the area in which they are gifted. They needed little to no training to do what they do. Most likely it’s something they have always been good at and later came to see that it was a gift God gave them.
While that person may be gifted in that area it does not mean others are unable to do that same thing. Anyone can perform any of the tasks we see listed as spiritual gifts in the scripture. They just won’t be as naturally good at it as someone with that gift would be. But that does not mean that at times you should do that very thing even if you lack that specific spiritual gift. Let’s look at the spiritual gifts to use some practical examples.
1 Corinthians 12:7–10 (ESV)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)
10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,
Those are the very spiritual gifts God has given to His people. I would say though that as our world has expanded so have the gifts of God. In our churches today we may see those who are gifted in ways that greatly bless the church but are not listed among those verses. Such as those who are gifted in technology and allow us to have sound, lights, and live streams. Or those who are gifted with children and allow parents to fully pay attention during service. While also being able to teach children about the Lord. These and many more are gifts of God that work to help us better serve one another.
You may not be a natural-born teacher or evangelist but that does not mean you shouldn’t do your best to share and teach others about the gospel. Especially when it comes to teaching your children in your own homes. In fact, sharing or you could say teaching the Gospel is something Jesus instructed every Christian to do. You may not be able to teach as your pastor does but that doesn’t mean you can’t share with others the knowledge of Christ you possess.
Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The same is true for serving others. God has gifted some in that area and they cannot help but find ways to serve. Whether it’s volunteering every chance they can or even trying to do the dishes at someone else’s house. Some people simply want to serve all the time because that is their gift.
Not every Christian is gifted in that area though and we all don’t have that same drive to serve. But that does not mean we can’t or that we should leave it to people who possess that gift. Scripture calls all Christians to serve one another and to have a servant’s heart. Even though we are not all given to serving as others are at times we are still expected to.
John 13:12–15 (ESV)
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Mark 10:43–45 (ESV)
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The same case could be made for any and every spiritual gift. We are all capable of learning how to do anything. If needed we can fit in any role for a time. The gift God gives us allows us to excel in a certain area. Making us the best person of a certain job within the church. But that in no way means we are in able of doing anything inside or even outside the church.
So don’t take the fact that you lack a certain gift to mean you just can’t do something. Especially don’t use it as an excuse to not have to do certain things. Yes, we all have different gifts and every gift is important to the body. But we all have the ability to do anything the Lord leads us to and to at times complete a task that we are not gifted in. Always do what God has given you the gift to do but don’t neglect areas you are not gifted in. Remember everything you do for God is meaningful even if you aren’t the best at it.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Please take a moment to share this article. Help other Christians see that they should not only do what they are gifted at but at times should step out of their comfort zone. In order to best serve the Lord. To share simply click one of the icons below. Thanks for sharing and God Bless!
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.