Spiritual Gifts

I had lunch with a friend yesterday. She was sharing something with me and I replied that I think (personal opinion only; I've not researched this to back it up) that people who have the gift of mercy are often easily duped and/or taken advantage of. I've seen it more than once. It seems that with the gift of mercy comes a desire to believe the best about anybody and everybody. Well, sad to say, that can be downright dangerous with some people, and even sadder, it also applies to some who claim to be members of the body of Christ. You may be scratching your head, so let me give you an example. Let's say a member of the Body has deep insecurity and exhibits very bad, even sinful, behavior. Now, if that member is young in the faith, perhaps they've just not gotten proper admonishment or even teaching about this. But, if that member has worn this insecurity like a badge for many years, sorry. It's not an excuse for sin. But, one who has the gift of mercy is likely to see it that way. I'm not condeming those with this gift, but I think many of them want to 'pat others on the head' and say, 'Oh, but he/she has such insecurity.' (or whatever the issue is). There often seems to be a lack of discernment with the gift of mercy. Therefore, we can help them be aware of this and encourage them to seek discernment OR, if they really struggle with it, then we need to encourage them to always seek counsel from others when making a decision that will affect the rest of his/her life, or another's.

From there, I went on to say that mercy is not the only gift that has pitfalls. I have the gift of encouragement. Well, before the Lord Himself showed me I have this gift, I used my mouth in terrible ways against other members of the Body...to the extent that, when He showed me I possess this gift, I had two reactions. The first was elation! I'd been praying and praying that He'd show me what my spiritual gift(s) was and He did! Finally! It seemed like I'd been praying about it forever, to the point that I almost didn't think I had any, even though I knew that wasn't biblical. So, I elated for maybe a minute, then I was struck with terror! Oh, my! I was convicted down to my toenails about the many UNencouraging things I'd said about and to others. AARRGH!!! This made me afraid to even tell anybody that He'd shown me I had the gift of encouragement, as I was afraid they'd laugh at me! So, my next thought was, "Ok. I've done some terrible things with my tongue, but I'm taking this bull by the horns! I'm going to use my mouth for blessing instead of cursing from now on." I'm sorry to say I haven't achieved that fully, but, for the most part, my mouth is used for blessing others. Praise His most holy Name, for it is by His grace alone.

I'll let you think about the 'pitfall(s)' of your spiritual gift(s), as this post is getting long. Again, I believe each has its own. But, the one thing I do want to share before signing off is this. Many years ago, I had a roommate. We were talking and she said something about how satan attacks us in our weak areas. As soon as I began this reply, I knew the Lord was speaking through me and to me, as I'd never even thought about this before. But, I said, "No, I think he really likes to attack us in our spiritual gifts, as what are they for? The building up of the body of Christ! So, if he can cripple us in our spiritual gifts, look how much of his work is done!"

I firmly believe that our spiritual gifts are part of our stewardship. So, my friend, beware of the particular pitfall that shadows your spiritual gift AND, USE your spiritual gift(s)! Don't sit alone at home all the time feeling sorry for yourself for whatever reason, but seek Him as to how He wants you to put that/those gifts to use to build up and/or equip other members of His Body! And don't retreat because you're afraid your gift's pitfall will overcome. HE is the Overcomer and has called us to be overcomers as well. (in His strength, not ours) <3