Spiritual Gifts
If you are not aware of your spiritual gifts, you may be very frustrated in your life. The reason I say this is very simple. All believers are given gifts by the Holy Spirit at the time they accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Those gifts are supernatural abilities which the Holy Spirit gives us to live the Christian life and grow as a believer. We will be able to accomplish God's will for our lives only to the extent that we use those gifts in the power of the Spirit to do what He has outlined for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
Therefore, many people are frustrated, because they do not even know their gifts. They try to do things for the Lord in their own power and personality, and it doesn't bear fruit. They get frustrated and fail. Then, they get mad at other people or the Lord. That is a tragedy. Some give up on serving God. They miss out on life's blessings, and don't grow spiritual as they should without being faithfully obedient to the Lord.
On the other hand, if a person knows his or her spiritual gifts, and they are using them well, there is a great sense of satisfaction, because there is fruit, and things are not so difficult. If a person has the gift of teaching, they see results when they teach God's Word. If they have the gift of an evangelist, they see people come to Christ regularly when they witness or preach the Gospel. However, if a teacher tries to be an evangelist, it doesn't work. Yes, they can see some people saved, because we are all to witness. However, they see little fruit, and it comes with great effort. If an evangelist tries to teach, it is frustrating to him and the audience.
I urge each of us to pray earnestly and to seek to know how the Spirit has gifted us. Then, live in line with your gifts. Don't leave out anything God leads you to do, but emphasize the things that are in line with your gift. You will see a big difference in your spiritual life and growth.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 20-21 and Ruth 1-2.
Therefore, many people are frustrated, because they do not even know their gifts. They try to do things for the Lord in their own power and personality, and it doesn't bear fruit. They get frustrated and fail. Then, they get mad at other people or the Lord. That is a tragedy. Some give up on serving God. They miss out on life's blessings, and don't grow spiritual as they should without being faithfully obedient to the Lord.
On the other hand, if a person knows his or her spiritual gifts, and they are using them well, there is a great sense of satisfaction, because there is fruit, and things are not so difficult. If a person has the gift of teaching, they see results when they teach God's Word. If they have the gift of an evangelist, they see people come to Christ regularly when they witness or preach the Gospel. However, if a teacher tries to be an evangelist, it doesn't work. Yes, they can see some people saved, because we are all to witness. However, they see little fruit, and it comes with great effort. If an evangelist tries to teach, it is frustrating to him and the audience.
I urge each of us to pray earnestly and to seek to know how the Spirit has gifted us. Then, live in line with your gifts. Don't leave out anything God leads you to do, but emphasize the things that are in line with your gift. You will see a big difference in your spiritual life and growth.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 20-21 and Ruth 1-2.