The Gifted Ones part two

Romans 12:3-8 describes gifts given by God as Father. These gifts seem to be inherent tendencies that characterize a person. They are a result of the Creator's unique workmanship and have to do with a believer's identity and destiny. As stated in part one, few people are fully described by only one. But even though a mix may be found, there will usually be a dominant trait.

You can think of this gift from the Father as being what drives you or motivates you to say and do what you say and do. It is the lense through which you view the world.

To read The Gifted Ones part one, go here.

Following are clues to help you determine which is your motivational gift.

Each gift has strengths and weakness. We are responsible for developing our strengths and being aware of our weaknesses.

The gift of prophecy - to speak with insight and moral boldness, influencing others in one's arena of influence

Are you direct and frank? Do you feel compelled to tell people what you really think? Do you view issues as either black or white and are reluctant to see the "grey"? Do you speak aggressively and are willing to stand up for "truth" even under threat of criticism or ridicule? Have you ever been accused of being quick to judge and slow to sympathize?

You may find yourself in the field of politics, on the mission field, leading a Bible study, or preaching. Think of this gift as the "purifier" of the church.

The gift of service or ministry - to render loving service to meet the needs of others

Are you a tireless worker and don't mind working alone? Does it bother you when others don't seem to care about an obvious need? Do you just know what someone else needs and anticipate how to meet that need?

You may be providing meals for a family in need (new baby, sickness, funeral) and are often on committees that "serve" the body. You may sometimes disaprove of others' "inablilities" to serve. You are the worker of "practical needs."

The gift of teaching - one who researches, explains, and imparts wisdom.

Do you feel compelled to discover knowledge, to find truth and share the information with others? Do you enjoy detailed Bible studies, have a somewhat serious nature and look beyond the words to symbolism and patterns? Do you sometimes find yourself more interested in research than people? Do you "collect" books? You may be found in front of the classroom, doing research or in front of a congregation. You are the "disciple maker" of the believers.

The gift of encouraging or exhorting - one who urges earnestly, entreats and encourages
Are you anxious to please? Do you see the importance of individuals? ARe you a great networker, and one who dives into relationships?
Do you have difficulty taking criticism yet are your own worst critic?
Are you known for doing things "on the fly" or "off the cuff"?

You might be found on a platform, in sales, counseling or coaching. You are the "encourager of the spiritually needy."

The gift of giving - one who produces, supplies, grants and offers
Do you have a deep conviction to raise money to help causes?
Do you have an excellent business mind and are quite concerned about other’s financial needs? Do you have a great desire to see God’s causes advanced? Are your prayers for others often for God to meet someone's financial needs? Do you find yourself being "led" to give money or other gifts to people? You may be found giving the "big money" and having your name on a building. You are the "supplier of needs."

The gift of leadership or administration - one who influences others according to the “big picture,” purpose, mission or plan.
Do you enjoy coordinating people and projects? Are you able to pull together "manpower" effectively? Do you sometimes do things quickly just to get them "out of the way" or marked off your "to do list"? Has it ever been suggested that you are insensitive to others' personal desires if they conflict with your own?
You may be found coordinating a wedding, planning meetings, or in charge of a church dinner. You may be an office manager, project leader or pastor. You are the "organizer of the ministry."

The gift of mercy - one who feels compassion, extends help, kindness and forgiveness
Do you feel the pain of others so much that it affects your mood? Are you drawn to misfits and the underdog? Are you sensitive to others' emotions and easily go beyond sympathy to empathize with someone having a difficult time? Do you have an excellent memory for special dates and personal preferences? Do you have to guard against closing yourself off to someone you feel is insensitive? You may be found working behind the scenes of any crisis ministry, working the phones, in a nursing career or assisting in a recovery group. You are the "healer of hurting people."


(I would like to give credit where it is due, but I have been learning about this subject matter for a few years now and can't recall where each bit of information came from. Most, I believe, is from Rick Warren and the Saddelback church spiritual gift assessment study but I don't know exactly which parts. I guess that is bound to happen when your motivational gift is teaching) ; )

Photo by Linda Charlene - follow the link to see more of her beautiful photography!

So, do you know what your motivational gift is? Have you been able to identify the dominant trait in a friend or family member? I'd love to hear about it. Do Tell!~

The Gifted Ones & an update

I often speak and write about being "gifted." I have a passion for encouraging others to pursue their purpose in life and to develop their gifts. It is important to understand that there are 3 main classifications of gifts. Each member of the Godhead gives gifts.

The Son gives the 5-fold ministry gifts for the equipping of the body, the church, recorded in Ephesians 4:11 and I Corinthians 12:28.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are recorded in I Corinthians 12:8-10, 28.

When I speak about gifts, however, I am most often referring to the motivational gifts that God the Father gives. These motivations are the way in which you view people and situations. When you understand your basic life motivation, you will understand why you say and do some of the things you say and do! You will also understand others better.

The Father gives basic life purposes and motivations listed in Romans 12:3-8. I list them somewhat incompletely for brevity.

prophecy - to speak with insight and moral boldness, influencing others in one's arena of influence

ministry/service - to render loving service to meet the needs of others

teaching - the supernatural ability to explain and apply the truths received from God

exhortation - to entreat, comfort or instruct

giving - to give out of a spirit of generosity

leadership - modeling, superintending, and developing the body of Christ

mercy - to relate to others in sympathy, empathy, respect and honesty

Do you know what your motivational gift is? Most people have a mix but one will be the dominant trait. *Added later - If you are not sure which is your dominant gift and want a fuller description of one or two, let me know in your comment and I will give a fuller explanation of the characteristics that accompany those gifts.

Here are three things I have learned regarding gifts and opportunities to exercise those gifts as I have had opportunities to speak and teach:

#1 Your gift may look similar to someone else's nevertheless it is unique.

#2 Your gift need not be fully nor perfectly developed in order for you to offer it with excellence. Remember excellence speaks of virtue, not of perfection.

#3 If you are asked to lead, walk confidently with an attitude of humilty, but BE THE LEADER.

Determine that no matter what season you are in, (I remember being in the Mommy of little kids season!) you will seek ways to develop your gift and prepare yourself for opportunities that will arise. Be a good steward of your gifts. Ask God to give you wisdom and show you how to use your gift regardless of your season. I remember a time when my children were much younger and I was so intent on knowing His Word and sharing it, yet I was also very busy being their Mommy. I felt that I couldn't "do" ministry and still be the kind of Mother I desired to be. I cried out to God and opened my heart to Him. I told Him what He already knew about the season I was in. He gently led me on a path in which I was able to care for the needs of my household while also pursuing Him with a passion.

Update on One Fine Man - I arrived back in CO on the 7th after flying home with my boys on Sunday. My mother traveled from MS to stay with our 3 children. The surgeon just left the room and told us the plan for closing the wound and doing the skin graft. He was very frank with us about the severity of the wound. We are so thankful for his expertise. We feel confident that he will do his best during the surgery tonight (1/8). We are even more confident that God's plans are to do us good and certainly not harm. I would greatly appreciate your prayers tonight. We continue to fight the good fight of faith.

The latest - The surgery last night to graft the skin went well. After 48 more hours of recovery, and barring any complications, we should be able to head home Sunday. Thank you for all of your encouraging comments and your prayers.

I am using the hospital laptop in the room. I have responded to some emails from blogger friends but I do not know if you have received them. I am grateful to be able to keep up with your blogs while I am here.