IDENTIFYING YOUR GIFT TO HELP BUILD THE CHURCH

By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson

INTRODUCTION

1 Corinthians 12 : 4 – 12

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same spirit; to another faith by the same spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kind of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

This is a very long passage but commentary will be given to make things clearer.

First of all, the following words would be defined:

GIFT – The oxford English mini dictionary defines a gift as something given or received without payment or natural talent.

TALENT – is defined as a special ability.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE IN THE PASSAGE ARE:

• There are diversities of gifts or talents.
• There are differences of administrations
• There are diversities of operations
• The manifestation of the spirit is given to profit us
• It is the same God which worketh 

Elaboration of points above,

 There are diversities of gifts or talents that imply that there are different kinds of gifts. God does not give one gift to all Christians. He gives every individual a different ability that would be used to build up the church.

The second bullet point, there are differences in administration, in my opinion, means that God impacts these gifts to his children in different ways. For some, it would be received through the laying on of hands. Others might receive their wiliest praying or having a quiet time etc.

For the third one, there are diversities of operation. In my opinion, this means that each person would have a peculiar way of using his/her gift. One person might use his gift of healing by praying and asking the sick person to do what he/she could not do. Another one would just pray and there would be instant healing etc.

That gives the different gifts to help build the church and benefit all his children. As soon as there is a need, he would choose someone and give him/her a gift to help solve the problem or satisfy the need.

 

THE GIFTS ARE MANY. SOME OF THESE MAINTAINED IN THE PASSAGE ARE:

• Word of wisdom
• Word of knowledge
• Faith
• Gift of healing
• Working of miracles
• Prophecy
• Discerning of spirits
• Divers kind of tongues
• Interpretation of tongues

 

The gifts are many, only a few were maintained. It is important to note that all these gifts are from God. It is necessary that each of these gifts is possessed by individuals in order that the fullness of God’s power would be manifested and the people of God would have all their needs met.

• How do you know you have a gift?
• Do you study the word and choose one for yourself and pray to receive it?
• Do you seek direction from a man of God?

The bible says in 1 Corinthians 12 : 31 that but covet earnestly the best gifts.

The word covet means to desire strongly.

John 15 : 17 says: if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Acts 6:6 Whom they set before the apostles and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

To identify your gift you must first get to know the gifts from God outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, then you pray and ask God for direction on what to choose. God would put in your heart a strong desire for one of them.

As you make your choice based on God’s direction, you ask God to bless you with this gift, you would also have to live right, obey God’s commandments then as John 15:7 says he shall grant it to you.

You could also ask a man of God to lay hands on you to activate the gift of God in you as the apostles did in Acts 6:6 for those who had been chosen to serve in a special office in the house of God.

After you have identified and activated your gift the next thing to do is to seek advice from a spiritual leader on how to use your gift.

Be ready and prepared to use your gift in all possible ways to build the church. You can prepare and be ready for use if you study your bible well especially in areas related to your gift. You can get a bible concordance to help with your studies. Christian literature on your area or gift showed to be read. Above all pray, fast and prepare yourself for service.

 

CONCLUSION

To conclude I will live to ask you to make this song your prayer each day.

 

Use me (2x)

Use me use me, Lord

I am available

For use so use me

Touch me and use

Me, use me use

Me Lord.

 

REFERENCES

1. King James Bible
2. Oxford English (Mini Dictionary)