“Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6 HCSB).
As we close our look at the subject of spiritual gifts from this passage, we can turn our attention to another portion of Scripture from the New Testament book of 1 Peter…
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).
These verses offer a good opportunity to review a series of questions that can help identify our gifts and discern God’s call upon our lives. For instance…
- Do you notice things that aren’t being done or could be done better? Do you see areas of ministry that are not apparent to others? What could you do to help in those areas?
- What are the things that burden or concern you? Is there anything that prevents you from acting upon those burdens and concerns? What steps have you taken to address those obstacles?
- What drives you, animates you, energizes you, or makes you feel as if you’ve accomplished something of value after you’ve completed it? How might you put that enthusiasm to use in God’s service?
- What would you do even if no one noticed? What kind of work would you perform even if no one paid you to do it? How would you invest your time and resources even if no one cared enough to support those investments?
The answers to these questions can often be useful in identifying our God-given gifts and helping us fulfill the work that God has given us. And even if we can’t immediately answer these questions, we can pray and ask God to provide His guidance and direction in those areas.
Remember, the time is always right to do great things for God in the daily routines of life. Those who desire to do something genuinely meaningful with their existence and seek to have an eternal impact upon this world can start today by using the talents, skills, abilities, and gifts that God has invested within them.