Growing in Your Gifting
"...I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you..." so writes Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6). Peter wrote "As each has received a gift, use it..." (1 Peter 4:10). The expectation is clear; we have these gifts and we are to use them and grow in them!
Top Tips to Growing in Your Gifting
Pray: Seek guidance from God through prayer to discern your spiritual gifts and how to use them effectively.
Study the Bible: Delve into Scripture to understand the gifts of the Spirit and their purpose.
Attend Church: Active participation in church each week can provide opportunities to exercise and develop your gifts.
Seek Input from others: Ask someone to provide guidance and support in nurturing your spiritual gifts.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a thankful heart as gratitude aligns with spiritual growth.
Serve Others: Volunteer and help those in need to put your gifts into action and learn how they can benefit others.
Study: Read books and look for opportunities to grow in your knowledge and understanding.
Reflect and Self-Assess: Regularly evaluate your strengths and weaknesses in utilising your spiritual gifts.
Embrace Feedback: Be open to feedback from others, which can help you refine and improve your use of your gifts.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Challenge yourself to take on roles or tasks that require the use of your gifts, even if they initially seem daunting.
Develop Discernment: Learn to differentiate between your own desires and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Community Involvement: Actively participate in the life of a Community. Not only does this provide you with another environment in which to practice your gifts, but also it provides you with a group of people who will be able to help you grow and refine, not only your gifts, but also your character.
Keep a Journal: Document your experiences, insights, and revelations as a way to track your spiritual growth.
Regularly Reflect and Pray for Guidance: Take time to reflect on your experiences and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance in using your gifts wisely.
Stay Humble: Remember that spiritual gifts are meant to serve others, not to bring attention to yourself.
Seek Accountability: Share your spiritual journey with a trusted friend or accountability partner who can provide support and encouragement.
Fasting and Biblical Meditation: These practices can help you focus and connect with God, enhancing your spiritual sensitivity.
Remember...!
Spiritual gifts are not:
- A sign of maturity (but need to be handled with maturity)
- A reward for godly living (but we all need to live holy lives)
- Received through study and training (but we can learn how to utilise them)
A few other important things to remember;
- Love is the motivation for using your gifts
- Your security and identity is not in your gifts but rather in the giver of the gifts. Hold them loosely.
- You will be happy and fulfilled when using your gifts - it is what God made you to do!
- All the gifts are equally important and equally spiritual
- All spiritual gifts are accountable to leadership
- Each person and each gift will vary in capacity and context
- Eagerly desire the gifts
- Go for it!
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
