Now that summer is here, there are several things you can bank on: the weather will get hot, the lake will be crowded, and there will be lots of new movies coming out at the theater. Now, I enjoy going to the movies anytime, and especially if it’s a super-hero movie or anything where someone has a “unique set of skills” or any kind of special abilities. So, whether you’re a fan of X-Men, Spider-Man or Wonder Woman, you can count on these heroes to light up the big screen with their their incredible talents like flying, using super strength, controlling someone’s mind or becoming invisible. If only it were real! If only people were actually gifted with super-natural abilities! But, the amazing truth is that is exactly what God’s Word (the Bible) says about His people.
But before you go jump off a building and expect to fly, let me clarify what I mean. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have been supernaturally gifted by the God of the universe with some kind of spiritual gift. It might be a gift such as: wisdom, knowledge, teaching, leadership, hospitality, encouragement, administration, giving or evangelism. But Scripture is clear that those who are followers of Jesus have at least one spiritual gift that has been empowered by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, we’re told:
“there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
So, congratulations, you’re gifted! If you are a follower of Christ, then God chose you before the foundation of the world and gave you some kind of spiritual gift. You can read more about the different spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. The difference between a spiritual gift and super-hero abilities is that your spiritual gift was never designed to be used on yourself. It was given so that we can “help each other” (1 Cor. 12:7) and to “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). In the way that God designed the church, He wanted it to be an “all-skate” where everyone plays a part in accomplishing the mission. God was very intentional with each gift he gave you, and He set it up so that each gift is not only important, but also interdependent with those who have other gifts.
In light of this truth, the challenge for each of us today is to discover our spiritual gift, and then, begin developing this gift through serving. One way to discover your spiritual gift is by taking an online spiritual gifts test. You could also ask people who know you well what gifts they see in you. Another way to discover your spiritual gift is to simply jump in and begin serving somewhere to see what seems to be the right fit. On our website, you can scroll through the list of different ministries or even talk with one of our staff members about how you can get involved. In addition, you might also want to consider taking the “Heart of a Servant” class, where you’ll learn more about your God-given S.H.A.P.E (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality and Experiences) and how you can serve others in sync with the way you were wired. You where shaped by God to serve His church!
Superheroes are great. Movies are fun. But, the truth is that if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, you have been supernaturally gifted by God the Holy Spirit to serve in some way for a purpose that is bigger than yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to discover your gifts and serve? Imagine what could happen when every person in our church knows their spiritual gift and is using it to serve in some way. Imagine the impact that could have on our church, our city and our world!