Swhw Bible Reading Plan: AprilSample

Top Takeaway from Caren Fehr:

Have you ever thought about the value and necessity of your spiritual gifts in your home, your work, and most importantly, the church?

Before we unpack the subject of spiritual gifts, I want to highlight 1 Corinthians 12:6, “There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

Lean in, friend: if you have ever wondered if the type of work you do matters, may you take great comfort in this verse. No matter what your work is, you can be confident that it's the same God at work through your work.

May this truth empower you to spend less time comparing your work to the sister next to you, and more time partnering with the Holy Spirit to do His work through your hands.

Back to spiritual gifts! 

All believers are given spiritual gifts, which are graciously given by God for His purpose and for the strengthening of other’s faith. These gifts are not given to be withheld or hoarded for our selfish gain or self-seeking purposes.

If we choose not to identify, build, and use our spiritual gifts, then it's an indication that we are not interested in strengthening the faith of others and serving the body of Christ. 

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

I love how this verse calls us up to be faithful stewards of God's grace! We are receivers of God's grace first. Then we become stewards of His grace by extending this grace to others by means of the spiritual gifts we’ve been given.

Spiritual gifts come from faith and are dependent on God’s grace. They aren't meant to be a hobby or the end goal, but a gateway. Spiritual gifts ultimately become tools to help us grow in our knowledge of Christ, build others up, and become a weapon to help us resist and fight the enemy.

If you have yet to discover your spiritual gift, start by increasing your desire to serve and strengthen other’s faith and asking the Holy Spirit to give you more opportunities and the ability to do so. When the purpose is to magnify Christ and serve others, the Holy Spirit honors our longings and begins revealing our gifts.

Other ways to identify your spiritual gifts include:

1. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you.

2. Ask close friends what gifts they see operating in you.

3. Consider taking a spiritual gifts test, but I'd like to add a word of caution. More often than not, spiritual gifts tests can reveal natural talents more than spiritual gifts. As long as you know the limitations, you can proceed with caution.

The Holy Spirit is willing and able to not only reveal the gifts you've been given but to help you steward them well. Keep asking and remain available to His leading!

Father, may we not neglect Your Spirit or the gifts You have given us. Give us courage and boldness to use these gifts and the humility to never use them for our glory, but for You and Your glory. Help us see the good work You have prepared for us and may we embrace that work with willingness, availability, and joy. We love You! Amen.