Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. – 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Let me give you three things that this passage tells us you must do in regards to your spiritual gift. First, you must discover what spiritual gift or gifts the Holy Spirit has given you. The Greek word for “gift” is charisma, from which we get our English words charisma and charismatic. The charis part of the word means “grace.” The ma portion of the word is a suffix meaning a grace that it is given. They are “grace gifts” that enable a person to glorify and serve God. These grace gifts are not earned; they are not the result of hard work; they are not even ones we choose for ourselves. And they may, or may not, be related to our natural skill set. Remember, God has not gifted you to do what you think you should do; He has gifted you to do what He wants you to do. The grace gift(s) that God has chosen in His sovereignty to grant you are expressions of His love. In the exercise of your spiritual gift from God you will find fulfillment.Third, you must depend upon God for the results. The Holy Spirit is responsible for the results. That means that we don’t produce anything, we can only use our gifts and trust the rest to God. It takes a great weight off of us when we are trying to serve the Lord in ministry. What we are called to do is to be faithful in exercising our gifts in the places where Christ directs us. Then God takes full responsibility for the eternal impact. So let’s get out of the stands, stop being spectators and start playing our part for God’s team!
Jeff Frazier
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