Spiritual Gifts: Diversity and Unity in the Body of Christ
The Lord has given spiritual gifts to his church so they can serve him with great power. In fact, every believer receives at least one gift. As stated in 1 Corinthians 12:7, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. Understanding how to rightly identify our spiritual giftedness and how to use that giftedness is essential for the building up of the body of Christ.
But sadly, many believers either do not know or do not believe this truth and are unaware of such a gift from the Lord. Because of this, the potential of spiritual power and blessing is wasted. We are like the ultrasound machine at Chitokoloki hospital, which was marked as fragile medical equipment but sat derelict and useless in the storeroom because nobody knew how to use it. It could have been so useful but, sadly, the only use it found was to act as a doorstop. A great waste. As well, others are careless and although they know of such gifts, they do not seek to understand their gift and to use it for the honour of God and the blessing of God’s people in the church.
The Biblical Context of Service
There are references to these gifts in various passages of scripture, including 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4:10–11, and Ephesians 4:7–13. However, the first 11 chapters of Romans provide a vital timeline for our personal salvation story. This can be understood in three steps: saved, sanctified, serving. Romans 1–5 is about how to be saved, where we are justified by faith. Romans 6–11 explains how we are being sanctified and cleansed from our sin. Then we come to Romans 12–16 where we are learning to serve the Lord to be useful for him in the church and in this world.
Preconditions for the Practice of Gifts
Before we actually describe the various gifts, we need to understand that there are several preconditions to the manifestation of spiritual gifts. In Romans 12:1, Paul writes: "I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." This is a powerful and pressing invitation to love God back. Without commitment to serve, we do not get to the point of knowing and practicing our spiritual gifts, for they are for service for God and others, not for self.
Furthermore, Romans 12:2 tells us: "Do not be conformed to pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." A life that is not lived for God is wasted, of no eternal value. We must think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ.
A Guide to Spiritual Gifts
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. The following table summarizes how these gifts should be exercised according to the scriptures:
| Spiritual Gift | Biblical Instruction for Use |
|---|---|
| Prophesying | Prophesy in accordance with your faith. |
| Serving / Ministry | If it is serving, then serve with the strength God provides. |
| Teaching | If it is teaching, then teach; let him that teacheth, on teaching. |
| Encouragement | If it is to encourage, then give encouragement and exhortation. |
| Giving | If it is giving, then give generously and with simplicity. |
| Leadership | If it is to lead, do it diligently. |
| Showing Mercy | If it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. |
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, but do not have love, I am nothing. For this reason, stir up the gift of God which is in you, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.