Expert: Mrs. Priscilla Lyons - 5/22/2006

Question
How do I go about finding out what my spiritual gift is?  Might I not have one?  How many spiritual gifts are there?  My understanding is that a talent and a spiritual gift are two separate things altogether.

Answer
Dear Amy,
   Thank you for writing.  Your interest in the things of God is wonderful.  I encourage you to focus on God Himself, as He has revealed Himself in His Word.
   Although I personally believe that God used the supernatural gifts of the early church to confirm the salvation and mystery revelation God provided through the sacrifice and indwelling of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:3-4, Colossians 1:26-27), other Christians feel that God wants to continue using these supernatural gifts.  God certainly can work through you using a supernatural gift, but that is His prerogative and not something you can "find" in yourself.  
   Galatians 2:20 helps us understand the Source of anything useful in our lives.  When we surrender our lives for Christ to live through us, and live by the faith of the Son of God, not our own efforts, the Holy Spirit has freedom to change us and accomplish our mission.  II Corinthians 3:18 reminds us to openly (honestly) look at the glory of God so the Holy Spirit can change us step by step (from glory to glory) into His image, which fulfills our created purpose (Genesis 1:26).   
   This is a daily surrender (Luke 9:23) and a daily feeding on His Word (Matthew 6:11, John 6:48-63), so that we are reflecting His glory, not our own gift or talent.
   I would question any quick and easy formulas you might discover to "find" your spiritual gift.  God wants a long-term relationship of your trust in Him so He has the freedom to develop all the potential with which He created you.  Only He can tell you, with His wise timing, how you should live exactly.  
   May we shine for Him!
   Priscilla Lyons