5 Things to Know About Spiritual Gifts

5 Things to Know About Spiritual Gifts…

“Mommy, what’s my gift? Why can’t I draw as good as Gracie?” comes a whisper in the hush of bedtime prayers.

I stroke the hair back from the flushed cheek of my youngest child, the one who always compares herself to her older brother and sister. With tenderness, I know the heart behind her questions.

For a moment, I see life from her perspective as the youngest and smallest child in the family.

Even at four years old, she knows the longing to have something special to share with the world.

It comes early, this need to know we have something valuable to give. Though we grow older and wiser with time, we never outgrow the need to share our gifts.

As an adult, I’ve had the chance to identify some of my gifts. For me, the question isn’t do I have a gift? I get caught up in wondering and thinking my gift isn’t good enough. Comparison with those who seem more talented sparks the fire of doubt to consume a soul.

If you too struggle with this issue, Here are 5 things you should consider:

Your gift is good enough.

How many times have we bowed our heads, fighting the urge to hold back when it comes to sharing our unique gifts, treasures of heart, skill, or time?

As if we are the experts, qualified to judge the gifts God has entrusted to our care? Isn’t it easy to let the eyes of comparison cause us to view our meager offerings as not as good as…

Comparison will only lead to confusion.

Why is it so tempting to compare ourselves with others as if God can only use the very best of the best? Comparison chokes passion to fulfill the desires God places in our hearts.

We evaluate, measure, compare…often using the mixed-up standards of this world to decide if our gift is enough. To decide if we are enough.

You can’t worry and walk by faith at the same time.

What happens when we choose to follow the ancient paths of the Christmas wise men, bringing our best to Christ with the worship of our humble hearts?

Reaching across the sprawl of centuries, the Magi show us that having the best gift isn’t what God values.

…They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).

Yes, their gifts were fine, the best kings had to offer, but it is the giving and offering which brings honor to God.

Spiritual Gifts are meant for sharing.

Are there treasures hidden in the secret of your heart, a light you have been afraid to let shine?

This Christmas, lift the lid and bring your gifts into the light of day to honor our King. Come out of the darkness of comparison and offer your treasures, the gifts God has placed in your hands.

With open hands and a willing heart, entrust Him with your time, your abilities, and your treasures. Lay them at His feet as an act of worship. Open and give—these are the responses of a heart set free from the restraints of comparison.

Have you believed the lie you have nothing to offer, no right to enter the presence of the King, no gift to give?

Echo the Psalmist who revels in the wonder of being exactly who God created him to be:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

There is a priceless treasure pulsing through your veins. 

There is value given by God tucked away in our interior places. These are the good things flowing from the heart, the blessings of encouragement and love, as well as the riches of sacrifice, forgiveness, courage, and generosity.

Open wide your treasure and give God your gifts. He makes miracles as your not good enough becomes an overflow of more than enough, a worthy gift to honor our King.