People often say to me that they can’t do anything, because they were last in line when gifts and talents were handed out. However, Paul disagrees: 7Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.

You see: Everyone has received a gift from God. You have also received a gift from God. You have a special gift that you can use to make a difference where you work and play.

The challenge is to discover what it is and the first question you should ask yourself is what do you like doing. What comes naturally? On what do you spend your energy, but never get tired of? On the contrary! It gives you energy. Chances are that the answers to these questions could lead you to your gift.

Check out the list of gifts (in modern day language) and see which of these gifts come naturally to you:

·        Apostleship (new ministries, visioning)

·        Administration (organisation, efficiency, order, structure)

·        Discernment (purity, clarity, insight)

·        Crafts (aids, communication)

·        Encouragement (motivation, strengthening of faith, enthusiasm)

·        Creative communication (creative expression of the gospel)

·        Serving (support, foundation building, empowerment)

·        Hospitality (trust, visible love)

·        Faith (direction, God’s promises and care)

·        Generosity (resources, care, motivation)

·        Evangelism (new believers, crossing boundaries with the gospel)

·        Healing (wholeness, God’s power, healing brokenness)

·        Miracles (God’s supreme power)

·        Intercession (provision, protection, insight)

·        Leadership (direction, vision, relationship building, motivation)

·        Knowledge (purity of learning, revelation, practical teaching)

·        Mercy (alleviation of need, being “Jesus’ hands”)

·        Interpretation (a message of building up)

·        Teaching (practising your faith)

·        Pastor/Shepherd (care, accompaniment, community)

·        Foreign tongues (message, deepening, wisdom)

·        Wisdom (clarity, planning, insight)

·        Prophecy (correction, confession, warning)

If you’re still not sure what your gift is, ask those who know you well. Show them the list and ask them to see which gift suits you best.

It is so important to discover what your gift is, because if you know which gift God gave you, then you can practise. Then you can use it to the glory of God and make a difference wherever you go. If all the children of God can simply start using their gifts, the world will definitely look different.

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:1-10 

Reflection

Do you believe that God gives every person a gift?

What is your special gift?

Where can you use it?

Prayer

Father, thank you for giving everyone a special gift. Thank you for equipping us to make a difference wherever we go, and to be fulfilled by doing that. Please help us, Lord, not to hide our gifts under a bucket, but to look for places all over where we can use it. Amen