He Gave Gifts to Men ~ What’s in your toolbox? (Part III)

In last week’s post I said I will guide you on how to identify the gifted tools the Lord has waiting for you.  So, let’s proceed. When I was first learning about the Lord’s spiritual gifts, I was truly on a mission.  I bought so many books and took numerous gift tests over and over again.  But, as I came to write this article, I was circumspect on the subject.

Why?  Because during the early years of searching, I was naive.  Naïve with zeal.  Instead, I should have used my zeal to seek and ask for the gift of wisdom, first.  Wisdom in all its forms.  The wisdom spoken of in Proverbs 2:1-11 and 3:1-26.  And the gift of wisdom God will give to each of us liberally if we ask: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  (James 1:5).

And then there is the Word of Wisdom which is the spiritual gift needed so He can use revelation wisdom through us.  More on this gift in a later post.  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.  (Proverbs 25:11).  

I like the fact that wisdom is received through asking prayer…again, living at the base of the Great I Am Mountain!  This is my disclaimer as we move forward, ask the Lord for all the wisdom He has for you in order to discover the correct tools He wants to impart for your toolbox.

I will add here that the fruit of Spirit spoken of in Galatians 5:22-23, is different than the gifts of the Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit we propagate and eat so we can use the gifts we give away!  In other words, the fruit is needed to be cultivated in our lives and then we can freely give gifts for the edification of others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  (Galatians 5:22-23).

“Fruit versus gifts. Fruit is something that inevitably appears on a healthy tree. Gifts, however, are freely and unconditionally given regardless of the ability of the receiver to use them well. This should tip us off as to the Kingdom value placed on the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t that the ‘gifts’ are unimportant (far from it) it’s just that they are nowhere near as significant as the ‘fruit’…We bless our world, glorify Jesus and find true fulfillment so much more when we are bearing fruit. The exercising of gifts and ministry from a ‘fruit filled life’ is much healthier for us, but even more so for others!”  The Difference Between The Fruit And Gifts Of The Holy Spirit | God TV.

There are numerous tools online which can help you identify your spiritual gifts.  When I was on my gift expedition, I used the Wagner Houts Spiritual Gift test.  It is online for free, but it also comes in book form.  See below links.

Wagner Modified Houts Questionnaire Online - Fill Online, Printable, Fillable, Blank | pdfFiller 

Finding Your Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire: Wagner, C. Peter: 9780830736942: Amazon.com: Books

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.  (Romans 12:6-8).

A word of caution before I send you off on your safari, seek the Giver of the gifts more than the gifts.  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  (Matthew 6:33).  Unwrap each gift carefully and slowly while savoring the wrapping as it is presented to you.  The contents (the gifted tools) will be used soon enough; enjoy the unwrapping😊

Next time, we will look at each one of the nine gifts from 1 Corinthians 12.  So, start doing your homework.  Through prayer, and the Lord’s guidance you will start to identify and sharpen your tools for His Kingdom.  Let Him lead the journey into the wonderful world of the Spirit.  He knows the route you are to take, I’m so excited for you!