Talent. Gift. Ability. Opportunity.
Each one of us is given unique characteristics by God. I want you to pay attention to the word unique. No two people are alike. This is by design. God has made us all unique.
You are incomparable.
Part of the fun of this life is discovering how God has made you. What makes you different? How can you impact the world for God in a way nobody else can?
On Sunday we discussed Jesus’s teaching for all of us to be faithful with the unique talents that God has given to each one of us. In the Question and Answer time I promised to send the congregation a “Spiritual Gifts Assessment” to aid us in identifying our distinctive gifts. At the end of this note I have included a link to a survey.
The survey outlines 16 spiritual gifts that are highlighted in the Bible. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a good start in exploring the way God made you.
“A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the body of Christ, the church.”
-Gene Wilkes
Notice that Gene (the creator of this spiritual gifts assessment) emphasizes that a spiritual gift is one that is to be used to serve the church. Gene believes that it is through the church that God will shape and change the world. God’s plan is to build up the church so that it is capable of healing the world and proclaiming God’s gospel.
My hope is that this assessment can help you identify your spiritual gifts and the ways you can use them to serve the body of Christ.
A full list of the gifts is provided when you visit the link below. ALL gifts are valuable! I want to spotlight just a few of the many gifts and provide a few examples of how to use them.
Leadership – Leadership aids the body by leading and directing members to accomplish the goals and purposes of the church. Leadership motivates people to work together in unity toward common goals.
Examples – The church needs leaders in all of its ministries. Leaders are members and staff who take the initiative to guide particular ministries in the church. A leader is committed to organizing people and empowering them to make a difference in their particular ministry. The church needs leaders in every program and outreach initiative in order to be effective.
Do you have the spiritual gift of leadership?
Exhortation – Possessors of this gift encourage members to be involved in and enthusiastic about the work of the Lord. Members with this gift are good counselors and motivate others to service. Exhortation exhibits itself in preaching, teaching, and ministry.
Examples – The church benefits tremendously from members who encourage and motivate other members. An exhorter enthusiastically promotes the work of the church. In the community, an exhorter is sharing about the good work of the church. Online, an exhorter is encouraging others to get involved with particular ministries. An exhorters’ passion for service is contagious.
Do you have the spiritual gift of exhortation?
Giving – Members with the gift of giving give freely and joyfully to the work and mission of the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are characteristics of individuals with this gift.
Examples – A giver is a person who gives their time, energy and resources with enthusiasm and passion. A giver is energized by the act of giving. Seeing the impact of their gift on the church motivates the giver. A giver strongly desires to leave a legacy of impact within the church.
Do you have the spiritual gift of giving?
Faith – Faith trusts God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people. Believers with this gift encourage others to trust in God in the face of apparently insurmountable odds.
Examples – The Bible refers to faith as a gift. Some are naturally able to live by faith more easily than others. Those with the spiritual gift of faith set the example for the church in living by faith. These people encourage all decisions and conversations to be had through the lens of faith. Those with the gift of faith are an encouragement to others who go through times of challenges or doubt.
Do you have the spiritual gift of faith?
I took the survey this week because I thought it was important to reassess my own spiritual gifts. I scored the highest in four gifts: faith, administration, teaching and knowledge. I will seek to use these gifts for the good of the church. What are your gifts? Be thankful for the way God created you! Ask close friends what gifts they identify in you. Share those gifts with others!
Spiritual Gift Assessment: https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-service.
I encourage you to click on the above link. You will see three Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tools:
- Spiritual Gifts Survey (Discovery Tool)
- Spiritual Gifts List (List of Gifts and Scripture References)
- Where do you feel God leading you to serve Him? (Discovery Tool)
Take your time to explore the unique, incomparable way that God has created you to serve the world.
We are at the beginning of our annual Stewardship campaign. Please take a moment to fill out an Estimate of Giving card. You can do so here: www.unitypres.org/estimated-giving/.
Thank you for the ways you give to Unity. You are the reason that this church is able to accomplish so much.
This Sunday is Youth Sunday. I can’t wait!
“See” you on Sunday!
-Pastor David
