“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work”.
1 Corinthians 12: 4-6
Many people tend to struggle through life and end up with a basketful of regrets, disappointments, and sometimes frustration. When interrogated, one finds that these people have not hugged the natural path designed to help navigate this world’s complexities. I believe God planted in us natural gifts that are supposed to help us lead meaningful lives here on this side of eternity.
I also believe that upon accepting salvation, He freely grants us supernatural gifts that enable us to do exploits beyond the normal. Life is meant to have meaning – some purpose. Because therein lies contentment and fulfillment.
We are born into societies that place worldly expectations on us and as such, very early in life, we are thrown off a designed path that is meant to lead us to an expected end. Finding our innate and unique natural and spiritual gifts brings us back to this path; to a place of comfort and relative inner peace of mind.
Those who have attained this level of spirituality can readily attest to this. It makes life easy and reduces anxiety and infuses joy in one’s heart. Those who actively utilize their gifts emit a sweet ‘fragrance’ and a disarming attitude that speaks to God’s goodness.
For many, identifying natural gifts or eliciting spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit is difficult. Some, however, discover them but lack the discipline or wherewithal to put them into use. Some even do not trust that the gifts will guarantee a living and take on other ventures that significantly dilute the potency of what was freely given before conception.
The good news is that the One Who Was, Who Is and Is to Come, the Author and Finisher of our Faith understood and knew beforehand that we would be prone to these distractions and so made provision for U-turns. It then becomes a choice for us as Christians, no matter what point we are in life, to revisit what has been laid upon us and work towards bringing it/them to life.
But what are these supernatural and natural gifts? There are several and each person created by the Almighty has one or more sitting in them or has the opportunity to make them manifest upon the receipt of salvation. The Apostle Paul listed supernatural gifts as Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of spirits, different kinds of Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues. There are, however, natural gifts that are also important. When properly applied, they help in the advancement of the work of God. They include Leadership, Evangelism, Administration, Faith, Giving, Apostleship or Planting of Churches, Teaching, Exhortation or Motivation, Mercy, Pastoring, or Laying Down One’s Life for the Flock and Service to the Body of Christ.
As to how to identify the one (s) that was set aside for you? Unpack the list and see which one resonates with your inner Spirit, take it to God in prayer and begin to live it in boldness and faith. But remember that these gifts are not for selfish use but to uplift and strengthen others who are in moments of darkness or weakness.
After all, said and done, there is no measured time to get to work using the gifts. However, once ignorance is lifted due to enlightenment, we are expected to begin the turnaround. Even if you are in your last few breaths, you still can receive it for what it’s worth. You will heave a sigh of relief, knowing fully well that you are in sync with your maker. So, be encouraged and allow the Holy Spirit to intervene in your situation by accepting salvation and receiving the tools to find fulfillment.
This decision is a wise way to go.