Spiritual Gifts-Romans 12

What is our spiritual DNA? What lens do we see life through? Knowing our Romans 12 spiritual gifts, also called motivational gifts, clue us in.

Discover your manifestation and ministry gifts here.

I’m not a super teachy type, but I’m reaching deep today. What invigorates me, is seeing us reach our full potential in Christ. My main motivational gift is Exhortation/Encouragement.

What invigorates you?

Motivational Gifts

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.(Romans 12:6-8)

In the scenario below where do you see yourself?

You are at a party and witness a drink drop. Which way do you respond?

1. “Who did this? Clean up this mess.”
2. “Are you ok. Did you get any on you? Let me help.”
3. “Here, take my super absorbent towel to clean with”
4. I grab the nearest towel and start to clean up.
5. “Way to go, cleaning up this mess. It sure is dirty, but you are doing a great job!”
6. “You, grab the towel. You, grab the mop, and you, block the way so no one slips on the wet floor. Ill check back with you in five”
7. “According to research the best way to clean up this type of spill is…”

 

Answer Key:

1. Prophet
2. Mercy
3. Giving
4. Serving
5. Exhortation
6. Administration
7. Teaching

Thumbprints of the Gifts

Prophet

Traits of a Prophet

A prophet views life in two terms. Right and Wrong. They sniff out sin and experience instinctive urges to expose it. The goal is restoration. He or she is strong in justice.

Example: Apostle Peter

Pitfalls of a Prophet

He is short on grace, especially with himself.

Teacher

Traits of a Teacher

Teachers enjoy studying the word for hours. Gathering and validating facts on a biblical topic  is her prime way to problem solve. She is able dissect truths and present them in an orderly fashion.

Example: Luke

Pitfalls of a Teacher

Emphasis on practical application and spiritual anecdotes may annoy a teacher. She may become prideful in her knowledge of the bible.

Serving

Traits of Serving

Servers see the practical needs in the room and quickly meet them. They are good at following through on tasks.

Example: Martha of Bethany

Pitfalls of Serving

Servers are tempted to be task oriented and miss relationship building opportunities.

Exhortation

Traits of Exhortation

Exhorters propel people forward into their destiny. They acknowledge your pain and cheerlead you through it.

Example: Barnabas

Pitfalls of Exhortation

Exhorters can oversimplify solutions.

Giving

Traits of Giving

Wise with their finances, givers rarely pile up debt. They meet large financial needs others with the same income can not.

Example: Matthew; Ebenezer Scrooge

Pitfalls of Giving

Passionate about saving, givers can fall into miser mode.

Administration

Traits of Administration

Administrators visualize the end goal and know all the steps needed in between. They are sleuths at delegating tasks to people with the skill set to match it.

Example: Nehemiah

Pitfalls of Administration

Appear bossy as they put the project before the emotions and needs of family or team members.

Mercy

Traits of Mercy

Mercy motivated people are sensitive to the emotions and needs of others. They embrace us as we overcome sin, and cry with us in our pain.

Example: Apostle John, Mother Theresa

Pitfalls of Mercy

Sin may be overlooked and confrontations avoided.

Discovering our Motivation

As a new Christian my heart was more like a rummage sale than a beautiful Anthropologie display window.  To unearth the real me, I needed to pluck out the hurts shrouding the treasure. The real gift emerged as God excavated those broken places. Truth is, we are still excavating.

But we can’t let what’s wrong with us blind us from what’s right in us. Christ is in you loving all those right and broken parts. Your awesome is in His hands, waiting to be unearthed.

Test

Take the test here.  You will get a picture of yourself even if your heart is hurting. We are all a beautiful work in progress (even when we don’t feel so beautiful). Take the test again in 5 years and see how it is the same and how your edges are more defined.