Discovering Your Gifts, Part 4

For 900 years, coronations of British kings and queens have taken place at Westminster Abbey. The last one took place June 2, 1953, when Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II—the 39th Sovereign to be crowned. The event was the first to be televised and was watched by 27 million people in the UK alone.

Coronations are often elaborate, marking the investiture of a monarch with regal power. In the New Testament, another simple ceremony marked the beginning work of Paul and Barnabas as missionaries. After the church fasted and prayed, the Holy Spirit said to separate the two for the work to which He had called them (Acts 13:2).

It was not to invest power in these two men that they were confirmed by the church, but a recognition of what the Holy Spirit was already doing in their lives. The ceremony took place after the missionary gift was given to Paul and Barnabas. So also, the gifts of the Spirit are not given by the body of Christ, but they are to be acknowledged by God’s people as coming from heaven.

In discovering our spiritual gifts, we should not neglect the input of others. Often it is more difficult to recognize one’s own gifts than the gifts of others. Perhaps that is why the Bible tells us that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Since God gives gifts to build up the church, we should expect the body of Christ to confirm our gifts and not rely on our feelings.

Gifts are not given to lift ourselves up or to be used for our own benefit, but to follow Christ’s example: “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

Apply It:

Ask a few godly people who know you well what they perceive are your primary spiritual gifts. Listen carefully and look for patterns in what you hear.

Dig Deeper:

Matthew 20:27, 28; Acts 6:1–7; 2 Timothy 1:6

Key Bible Texts

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2 KJV)