Spiritual Gifts: Finding Your Position on Team JesusSample

Getting a Gift vs. Using a Gift

Oftentimes in life, we get a gift but have no idea how to use it. For example, when each of our five children got their driver’s permit, we bought them a car, but the last thing we would do is simply hand them the keys in hopes that they figured out how to drive on the freeway. 

In addition to the gift, they needed teaching and coaching to learn how to best use the gift. This same principle is true of spiritual gifts as the Spirit gives them, and then we learn how to use them. Paul opened his letter telling the Corinthian church “you are not lacking in any gift”. Despite being incredibly gifted, the church was both immature and confused, which is why they sent Paul a list of questions, with his stern rebukes and responses comprising 1-2 Corinthians. 

Importantly, Paul not only writes his letter, but he intends for it to be read and obeyed in the church by God’s people together in community. This simple fact is vital. You cannot rightly understand or apply the Word of God without the Spirit of God in you and the people of God around you. In the same way, every parent knows that you cannot just give a child information and expect them to learn all they need to know and become who God intends for them to be unless they are also surrounded by modeling and correcting from loving parents. 

What is true when we are born is also true when we are born again. The child of God easily misunderstands what is taught and being in relationship with more mature people who act as spiritual mothers and fathers, along with spiritual big brothers and big sisters, help us to learn by not just hearing what is taught but also seeing how it is applied.

When someone is new to Christian faith, they bring with them their beliefs and behaviors that are completely opposed to the Kingdom of God. We all start in the culture of the world, which is how people live hell up before they meet God and start to live Heaven down. 

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is communicating one large concept, namely that there is a difference between spiritual giftedness and spiritual maturity. Spiritual giftedness is God’s enabling of us to serve Him in fruitful ministry. However, spiritual giftedness alone is not sufficient for us to be like Jesus or for our church to be unified and loving as Jesus intends. Therefore, spiritual maturity is at least as important as spiritual giftedness. Spiritual maturity is marked by love. Practically, this means that despite the difference of gifting and ministry, every Christian is to use their gifts in such a way that others know they are loved by God, the church, and the person who is ministering to them. Apart from loving maturity, giftedness is simply an opportunity to do great harm. 

The church should operate like a big, healthy family where the older members help the newer ones along in their faith, coaching them in how to use their spiritual gifts and in the truths of the Word of God.

Who has modeled faith to you? How can you help coach others?