I was a teenager before I heard the term “spiritual gifts.” No more knowledge than I had at that time, I wondered if that meant something like ESP with God. Spiritual gifts aren’t mystical like I had envisioned and receiving a spiritual gift isn’t like going through a buffet where I pick the ones I want. Do I play a part in developing my spiritual gifts? Of course! But it is called spiritual GIFTS, which implies someone chose it for me.

1 Corinthians 12 tells us there are varieties of gifts, but it is the same Spirit who empowers them all. He is the source. He is the one who distributes each gift, deciding which gift(s) each person will have.

Okay, so now I know a little ABOUT spiritual gifts, but I still don’t know what my gift is, when I will get it, how I will know He gave it to me, etc. So, I stay stuck in not knowing what to do. Looking back I can see how I overcomplicated that!

A gift may just be an aspect of our personality we don’t realize is a gift because it comes naturally to us. For example, someone may cry easily because situations touch her deeply. Guess what? There is a gift of mercy! Someone may always be pulling for the underdog and wanting to encourage people. Guess what? There is a gift of exhortation! 

I’m realizing spiritual gifts aren’t what I DO as much as they are an expression of who I am, who God created me to be. Utilizing spiritual gift inventories may point out possible gifts, but also consider what comes naturally to you that can be used for the good of others. You just might be doing what the Holy Spirit gifted you to do!