A Prayer for Awakening Spiritual Gifts
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” - Romans 12:5-8 NIV
I have three girls who may outwardly resemble each other, but their personalities, gifts, and general disposition couldn’t be more different. They often struggle to get along past the typical sibling squabble, mainly because their interests, talents, and perspectives on life are diverse. This summer, I've encouraged my girls to not just tolerate but embrace each other’s differences. I've shown them that being surrounded by others whose strengths complement our weaknesses is a blessing.
The night before the first day of school, I sat all three girls on the couch. We read through Romans 12:5-8, discussing the different gifts that Paul listed. I then asked each girl to share what they believed their sister’s gifts were, giving an example of a time they saw them use their gift to serve others. The activity was meant to remind my girls that God has blessed each of them uniquely with particular talents for His glory and to point people to Jesus. Upon starting a new school year, I hoped they would look for ways to serve others using their giftings. We spoke about practical ways they could help others and what it looked like to display these spiritual gifts daily.
Before saying goodnight, my middle daughter Abigail said, “You know what, mom? I just thought of something! Even if I can’t meet someone’s needs, I have two sisters with different gifts. Maybe we can ask each other for help!” Yes! My mamma’s heart swelled. While I wanted the girls to understand and look for opportunities to use the way God uniquely created them, my desire was also that they would see the immense beauty of what it looks like when people work together for the glory of God.
In our key verses (Romans 12:5-8), Paul lists seven spiritual gifts for the church of Rome. Paul doesn’t rank or delineate which gifts are of higher importance. We are all on the same team, and each gift serves a purpose, working together as the body of Christ. I have taken spiritual gift assessments a few times, and perhaps you have, too. These are good starting points, but might I suggest that a better approach to discovering your gifting is to think about your church's needs and ask God to help you meet those needs? We might even end up serving or using gifts that we didn’t know we had but that the Holy Spirit equips us for a specific need.
The Holy Spirit graciously gives gifts to His Children, but we are responsible for taking action. God can accomplish his plan without us, but what a blessing that he invites us to co-labor with him as we serve the church body. In this selfless service, we show how the Lord has changed our lives and is actively working in our hearts. Today, look for ways to share your gifts with the world, invite others to come alongside you in your service and enjoy the blessing of the body of believers.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for creating us. Scripture tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, that you know the number of hairs on our head, and that we are chosen and loved! Enlighten us to embrace our spiritual gifts and lead us into action. May we diligently look for ways to serve others, bring you Glory, and show the world the love of Jesus Christ. Forgive us when we are tempted to compare or criticize our brothers and sisters in Christ for how they were created. Instead, may we partner with them, working together and co-laboring with the Spirit in the good works you prepared for us in advance.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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