Bible Passage: “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1-37
There are a lot of mysteries about spiritual gifts that the Bible doesn’t clearly explain.
We need to embrace them.
One mystery is that we each have certain “regular” gifts (we reliably and predictably function well in certain gifts), and that God can also use any other gift through us that He wills.
The theological math is simple:
Every believer has the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), and the Holy Spirit has all the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
We should ask for gifts, identify our gifts, and develop them, as previously discussed.
We also need to be open to the Spirit using any of His gifts through us at any given time.
The Apostle Paul clearly had the gift of apostleship. Likewise, he talks about how he speaks in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18).
However, the Spirit can also empower someone to use any gift, even ones they don’t normally walk in. Acts 4 tells the story of the Spirit falling on the Church and empowering them to boldly witness and do miracles in those specific days.
Use your gifts and be open to God using any gift through you.
Another mystery is the overlap between natural gifts (those we’re born with), acquired gifts (something we learn over time), and spiritual gifts (something given by the Holy Spirit after salvation).
In certain cases, the difference is clear. I’ve never met a baby with a natural gift of miraculous healings.
But it can be hard to know if someone with the gift of leadership/administration was born with it, simply cultivated it, or received it as a spiritual gift.
In the final analysis, I’m not sure the difference matters. Some would argue that spiritual gifts are more powerful than natural/acquired gifts, and they may be right. Practically speaking, I’d say that we’re better off to embrace this mystery and focus on using all of our gifts for the glory of God and the good of his people.
Embrace the mysteries and trust the God who leads and gifts us.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to know and keep developing my gifts. If I’m honest, it’s hard to believe that You might use the gift of _______ through me. Lead me into a life fully devoted to You, and make me ready to follow You wherever You lead. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done. Amen.
Reflection: Ask the Holy Spirit to convict and lead you as you consider these two questions:
- Are you using the “That’s not my gift!” excuse anywhere in your life?
- Are you open to and eager for God to use gifts through you that aren’t your typical gifts?
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