YOUR GIFTS

The Lord is looking for His church to focus on the work He has given us, and for us to say individually, "This is where I'm going to serve."

We need to make the development and exercise of our spiritual gifts our passion and practice. So how do we know which gift is ours? The answer is a lot simpler than you may think. Ask yourself this question: If you were the pastor of your church, what changes would you make? If your first response would be to:

* Stand before the congregation to share a new direction the Holy Spirit had placed upon your heart, then your gift is probably prophecy.

* Begin a cooking ministry to provide meals, or gather clothes and other essentials for people in need, then your gift would seem to be serving.

* Lead an in-depth Bible study to promote a greater understanding of God's Word, then you probably have the gift of teaching.

* Having heard good teaching you now feel you are compelled to call the congregation to action, then you probably have the gift of encouragement/exhortation.

* Provide tangible financial or material support for the disadvantaged, then your gift is centered upon generosity.

* Organize the financial and administrative affairs of the church so things operate more smoothly, then your gift appears to be leadership.

* Spend more time with those who are hurting (whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually), then you probably have the gift of mercy.

What would you do if you were in charge? Your answer will tell you a lot about the gifts God has given you personally.

The problem is many times we evaluate others in light of our own gift. One of the most important things to understand about gifts is they are given to us individually, not collectively. Sure we might share some of the same gifts, but keep in mind, God has made each of us uniquely to serve Him and perform our role within the body.

God is glorified when we maturely say, "He may be different, she may be different, but we're all working together because that is how God made us and intended for us to function within His church."

we oftentimes spend so much time trying to classify the gifts we never place them into practice.

Worry less about the category of your gift and get busy with God's work.