Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Is there an exchange policy for spiritual gifts?

I took a test to find out (or "discern") my gifts.  I got the best score for Communication.  My next scores were for Hospitality and Service.  I do not have gifts for prophecy, speaking in tongues, or missionary work.

I can’t say I was surprised at my scores.  Obviously I like to communicate (some people might say “run my mouth”), at least on paper or on line.  I like to entertain, even if feeding guests is simply calling out for pizza.  (I think enjoying being together is more important than elaborate preparation.  Martha would have been able to sit at Jesus’s feet and would have been a happier woman if only Bethany had had Domino’s.)  Service – well, ask me to do something, and I probably will, since I don’t have the gumption to refuse.

These are all very useful gifts, but anyone can have them, even atheists.  I would love to be able to see the future (speaking in tongues not so much -- really not so much).  While I would be honored to be called to be a missionary, I have to admit I won’t be disappointed if it never happens.  I’m not a terribly fancy person, but I like good plumbing.  Of course, if the chance comes along to minister to the wealthy and live among them, I will certainly give it a shot.

And it would wonderful to have the gift of music.  I’d love to be a folk singer specializing in the old folk hymns.  The problem is that I can’t sing.  My church choir director, when calling for more choir members, has said that you don’t really have to be able to sing to be in the choir.  If I joined, I think he’d stop saying that.

Joyce Meyer has spoken about her attempts to add singing to her ministry.  It didn’t work out.  What that taught her was that God wants us to use the gifts we have the best way we can.  I’m glad I heard this from her before I tried to do anything foolish.  Thanks, Joyce!

But I think God understands our wanting other gifts and forgives us.  After all, not everyone has the opportunity to take a Spiritual Gifts test, and you may have to figure things out for yourself.  (I think I’d better say that I am being snarky here.  Please don’t be offended if you knew that already.)  And if we try to do what we really aren’t meant to do, He probably gets a chuckle.

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