The eighth item on the Freedom Guide is to exercise your spiritual giftings. There are many different tests that you can take that will help you discover your giftings.
My personal opinion, is that these tests are good as far as they go. But, I think that any and all giftings can be utilized by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (NASB)
So, I’m going to cast my net a bit broader than what is typically covered in spiritual gifts tests. I’ll use myself as an example. The photo at the top of the post, is a painting that I created during worship. I have found that I connect the best to God, and feel his pleasure the most, when I am engaged in creative pursuits.
The only time that this is not the case, is when I have bought a lie or have some other sin issue that is hindering my relationship with God. So that’s my cue to seek His face, and discover what it is and to get rid of it.
I believe that this would be true of whatever our particular gifting would be. If it is normally easy for us to serve others, or to teach, or to solve problems, or to do whatever it is that we are good at; and things are getting more difficult, then this can be a cue for us to check and make sure that there is nothing getting in our way.
Our giftings also help to keep us connected to the greater body of Christ, which as was discussed in the last item, is also helpful. It also assists us to take the focus off of ourselves and onto others around us, where ever we utilize them. For example, I believe that God releases more of what He wants to in a gathering of believers when a piece of art is created, so when I post my work or paint live, I am allowing others to benefit from my encounter with God. (To follow my adventures, and see some of my other work, you can also follow my other blog at alicearlene.com)
I’ve never seen painting on one of the spiritual giftings tests, so don’t be limited to what you see there if you choose to do one of the tests. That would be a great question to ask of the Lord during your journaling or quiet time.
What is your spiritual gift? How do you practice it?
If you would like more information on this and the rest of the items on the Freedom Guide, I expanded this content into a book and workbook that you can purchase from me in the office, at my online shop or other retailers here.