Posted by Mike O on: 07.10.2008 /
This is the 3rd in a five-part series on a class I’m taking at church called “S.H.A.P.E Workshop.”
Just to recap, there are five basic components that make up who a person is - that make up your “S.H.A.P.E.” They are:(click on the links for previous posts) -
S - Spiritual Gifts (Week 3)
H - Heart/Passion (Week 1)
A - Abilities (Week 2)
P - Personality (Week 4)
E - Experiences (Week 5)
This week I’m going to be covering spiritual gifts. Admittedly, I’ve been a bit worried at how this one will be received, so please take it in the spirit it is intended. This is what is being taught in one particular Christian class, and I happen to subscribe to this belief structure. My goal is simply to convey the information, logic and theories as best I can, and hope it helps you understand better the madness [wink wink] we Christians subscribe to. :)
Since this is a particularly spiritual element of the class, I am going to go ahead and include some of the Bible passages that it is based upon, the thinking behind the concept of spiritual gifts, and then I’ll go into the specifics of the class.
There are four primary passages that we used that list many of the spiritual gifts, as well as providing some insight into what I believe is God’s intent in giving them to people.
Romans 12:3-8
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[a]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Ephesians 4:11-13
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
I Corinthians 12:28-30
28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[a]? Do all interpret?
The idea here is that Christians do not all have all of the spiritual gifts. When a person “gets saved,” we believe that God gives them certain “spiritual gifts” that can be used for God. Furthermore, a Christian with one gift or set of gifts should not think of himself/herself more highly (or lowly!) than any other Christian with different gifts. Just as a human body has many parts that work together, the Christian “body of believers” is made up of many parts, each with their own purpose and function, that all work together for the common good.
The way the material was presented, spiritual gifts are things you don’t have as a non-believer, but when you choose to follow Christ, the Spirit of God gives them to you at the time of conversion. I’m not 100% clear on that, however. For example, there are lots of people who either are or aren’t Christians with “the ability to teach,” but the “spiritual gift of teaching” is somehow different and only given by God to some believers. Again, I’m not 100% sure how that works. If anyone would like to chime in and try to explain, I welcome it!
Anyway, God gives different gifts to different people to fulfill different purposes, all hopefully for the common good of Christ. My primary spiritual gifts, for example, seem to be giving, faith and creative communication (among others). At a really basic level, what a spiritual gift does for a Christian is take something that all believers agree they “should” do, and make them a natural at it. Take giving for example. The Bible does teach that all Christians are to give, but someone with the “spiritual gift” of giving would be more willing (for lack of a better word) or more purposeful in their giving. While some will give out of obligation, a person with the gift of giving can give sacrificially and joyfully. I hope that makes sense.
Another good example is the spiritual gift of “intercession” (which I don’t have) which is defined as
The special God-given ability to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers.
Without going into the whole topic of whether or not prayers are really answered, the idea here is that all Christians should pray. But an intercessor seems to have an ability and desire to more effectively and intensely pray - to put a little extra something on it. For me, praying doesn’t come easily. I’m easily distracted and it’s hard for me to pray with intensity unless there’s some real urgency. I pray, but I don’t have the spiritual gift of intercession. That’s just an example.
Here is the list of specific spiritual gifts we talked about in class. These are all taken word-for-word from the class material, so please understand that these definitions were written for a Christian audience.
Encouragement: The special God-given ability to comfort, encourage, challenge or correct others in a way that they respond positively and become more Christ-like.
Serving: The special God-given ability to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired results.
Administration: The special God-given ability to coordinate the gifts and ministries of others in order to accomplish the will of God in a given task or area of responsibility.
Discernment: The special God-given ability to distinguish between truth and error, good from evil, and right from wrong.
Apostleship: The special God-given ability to provide spiritual oversight in the development of new ministries or churches.
Craftsmanship: The special God-given ability to creatively design, construct and/or work with one’s hands in order to bless and increase the kingdom of God.
Creative Communication: The special God-given ability to communicate God’s truth through a variety of art forms in a way that strengthens the Church and glorifies God. Some examples include: music, drama, writing, visual arts, etc.
Evangelism: The special God-given ability to effectively communicate the gospel to pre-Christians so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.
Wisdom: The special God-given ability to discern the mind of Christ and apply scriptural truth to a specific situation in order to make right choices and help others move toward the right direction.
Giving: The special God-given ability to share one’s finances or material resources to bless others and further the work of the Lord with generosity and cheerfulness.
Helps: The special God-given ability to invest one’s own talents and gifts in the life and ministry of other members of the Body of Christ, enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts.
Faith: The special God-given ability to accomplish the extraordinary or impossible will of God in a particular situation.
Tongues: The supernatural utterance of a message from God in a language unknown to the speaker - meant to be heard and understood by the Church for its edification.
Interpretation of Tongues: The supernatural ability to communicate the meaning of a message originally given in an unknown language. It is interpreted in the common language of the hearers. It is used to edify, exhort or comfort the Church.
Intercession: The special God-given ability to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers.
Leadership: The special God-given ability to cast vision, motivate and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.
Miracles: The special God-given ability to perform powerful acts of God, which are beyond the laws of nature, bringing glory to God.
Missions: The special God-given ability to minister effectively and in a variety of ways in a culture other than one’s own.
Prophecy: The special God-given ability to reveal truth in love, and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance or edification.
Shepherding: The special God-given ability to nurture, care, and guide people toward an on-going spiritual maturity and becoming Christ-like.
Healing: The special God-given ability to restore physical or emotional health to an individual not by natural or human means, but through God’s power.
Teaching: The special God-given ability to understand, clearly communicate, and apply the word of God in such a way that others will learn and grow in Christ.
Knowledge: The special God-given ability to bring truth to the Body through a revelation or biblical insight.
Hospitality: The special God-given ability to make people feel comfortable, welcomed, cared for, and part of a group or atmosphere.
Mercy: The special God-given ability to express true empathy for those who are suffering physically, emotionally, or mentally and demonstrate compassion for them in tangible ways to help ease their burden.
The last thing we did in class was look at how spiritual gifts can work together with passions. Using myself as an example, one of the passions I listed was unity between opposing groups, helping people understand the opposing view - republicans understanding democrats and vice versa, poor people understanding rich people and vice versa, Christians understanding non-Christians and vice versa. Combine that with the notion that one of my spiritual gifts is creative communication, particularly writing and drama. Putting those two together in my case may explain why I’ve been drawn to this particular “ministry” of writing for a Christian/atheist blog. Does that make sense?
Well, I hope I’ve been able to convey this material in a way that was interesting and informative. Next week, I’ll be writing on the fourth element - personality.
Comment by: Ir (Helen)
1When I was a Christian I was taught about spiritual gifts being different from natural abilities but now I wonder, why does it even matter? Why do Christians make a big deal of the distinction? So what if it’s a ‘natural’ or ’spiritual’ gift? Either way God gave them to people to be used, right?
What do you think Mike - why do Christians stress the difference between what they perceive to be ‘natural’ and ’spiritual’ gifts?
Comment by: Mike O
2I’m not sure it’s important to stress the difference, but rather to recognize that both are available.
I’m not crystal clear on what the difference is entirely, either. Maybe “natural abilities” are general life skills that are useful regardless of spiritual intent, and “spiritual gifts” have a more spiritual motivation? I’m not so sure it’s important to be able to parse them out and understand what’s what. Rather, I think the idea is to understand what they are and that they are all useful.
Where the rubber meets the road, it’s like you said - Either way God gave them to people to be used.
Comment by: Jason
3I’m very weak on the whole idea of spirituality but the spiritual gifts that you’ve given seem to be traits that any human can have to one degree or another. You’ve put a specifically Christian spin on them and it feels that this is to make them seem more unique to Christianity. As I’m still not sure what spirituality is I’m only going on my impressions here.
Take craftsmanship or encouragement though. These are natural traits that a person has either from a young age or developed through years of practice. I’m not sure how someone could gain these things when they convert to a religion.
Tongues, prophecy and miracles though are clearly supernatural. As such I would say that nobody has these traits. It doesn’t matter what your religion is, you can’t have them. Then again I don’t believe in the supernatural so that’s hardly a surprise. :)
I know that these were written for a Christian audience so there would be an expectation and acceptance of things that I’d be more skeptical about but isn’t there a possibility of turning people away by assuming miraculous healing or speaking in tongues? There must be Christians who doubt the modern day application of these ‘gifts’ or who view them as metaphors rather that facts. Again I’m making an assumption here so feel free to point and laugh if I’ve got it wrong. ;)
Putting a ‘gift’ for communication or art together with a passion for teaching (for example) makes for a better teacher. Shepherding with a passion for helping others would make for a good grounding in a career like counselling. How does “tongues” apply to a passion for languages though or any other passion except for religion?
Getting people to think about tying in their abilities with their interests is a good idea. It would certainly lead to less stress and a more fulfilling way of life. It’s a practical application of faith but it could just as easily be used by a student or prison counsellor without the supernatural elements. Do you think that would be appropriate?
Comment by: Mike O
4Not really. Christian views on these vary wildly, and where people disagree with what is being taught, they just sort of disregard that, but it doesn’t really impact their faith. This isn’t the kind of thing you have to believe to be a Christian. There are lots of Christians who would disagree with some of these.
My background leans more towards accepting the supernatural than not. People who don’t agree with this philosophy, if it really mattered to them, would simply find another christian community in which their views would fit better.
Maybe it doesn’t. That’s a good question. The supernatural ones (tongues, prophecy, intercession, etc) would, I think, not be “verifiable” in the physical sense, so I guess it’s hard to say.
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you’re right and there is no supernatural. If that were the case, then the supernatural gifts wouldn’t be real, so maybe that’s why they apply better in a purely religious/spiritual setting, like a prayer service or something like that.
I think so, that’s why I’m a little unsure about the spiritual gifts part, and whether or not they really only apply to Christians, or if it’s more of a situation where a person has the “gift” already, but becoming a Christian adds a sort of “spiritual accelerant” to it, making it more potent?? I’m just talking … I don’t really know.
Anyone?? Anyone?? A little help??
Comment by: Mike O
5Sheri sent me this quote from Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. It explain our perspective on difference between strengths and spiritual gifts.
Does that help?
Comment by: Sago
6Interesting post, thanks Mike.
The issue of the signs of a spiritual gift is tricky, and where the idea of spiritual gifts can degenerate into impossible ambiguity.
So for example, if Bob, after coming to Christ, takes a core leadership position in church. He is enthusiastic, but often gets it wrong, his leadership is good, but not perfect. How can one say that leadership was a spiritual gift, and not just Bob doing it to the best of his (natural) ability?
I’ve heard teachers counter this by saying, ah you’ll KNOW a spiritual gift, it is clear it comes from God. But then most people don’t KNOW this. Ask a congregation of long term believers and most will not have seen a gift int his way. In fact even after a course teaches them to expect such a gift, they will struggle. Despite the fact that we don’t normally like the theology that only a small number of self-confident church members get gifts.
So pastors typically encourage them by saying something like “but Amy, I’ve noticed you are really welcoming to strangers and happy to talk to people” Amy of course has always been like that, but now is quite happy because her ability has been interpreted as a spiritual gift.
There are those that avoid this issue entirely of course, those who are comfortable with dramatic presentation of the more ostentatious gifts.
But this kind of merry-go-round happens all the time pastoring a non-pentecostal church that believes in spiritual gifts. Pentecostals, of course, can lean on glossolalia and avoid most of the issue.
Comment by: Noemi
7It is very interesting to see the different points of view. However, there is a BIG difference between the talents and the spiritual gifts. The talents that a person has can be used in any areas of their lives, but not spiritually speaking. Some talents you can learn them and others are innate. You can use your talents to be a successful entreprenuer, or to be an artist or to be in the “spot light”. However, this does not make any impact in your spiritual life or into anybody’s spiritual life.
The spiritual gifts can ONLY operate under the guidence of the Lord. It is something you can not produce or create, it is something that happens in a specific time and for a specific SPIRITUAL purpose and has eternal effect in a person’s life.
No one is perfect in this world, but God (who is perfect) through his grace chose imperfect people to do his perfect work… Now, we are going to make mistakes… yes… God knows that… However, it is amazing to embrace the opportunity that he gives us to do it. He did it because he wanted to use people who used their free will to do his porpuse. We have a flesh nature that goes against everything that is spiritual, but when we let the Lord guide us and we FOLLOW THAT GUIDENCE, then everything falls into place. This is grace…
Obviously, for those who don’t believe there is a God and that after this physical life there is a heaven and hell… there is not much I can say, because all this is by faith. And it is by faith that the spiritual gifts are in action.
You who are probably saying that all this is garbage… let me ask you something, if you are right then you and I have nothing to loose, but… if I am right and you are wrong… where are you going to spend eternity?
I know I will be in heaven…
Comment by: Mike O
8YOu make a good point here. If I were talking to a Christian group, I wouldn’t have any problem (probably) telling people the difference between spiritual gifts and abilities. But like you say, when people don’t believe in the spiritual, I’m limited to explaining things in natural terms, and that’s causes the lines to blur quite a bit.
I didn’t even realize that since the difference is spiritual, explaining it in natural terms made it very difficult.
Speaking as a Christian, I understand what you mean. But did you realize that this is faulty logic? What if we’re both wrong? What if the muslims are right? Don’t get me wrong - there is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ is the only way. But from their perspective, they don’t know that.
One quote that helped me to understand the atheistic line of thinking goes soemthing like this
Do you believe in Zeus? Neither do we. Do you believe in the gods of Hinduism? neither do we. Do you believe in the god of Islam? neither do we. Do you believe in the Gods of B’hai Buddhism or Shinto? neither do we. Basically, the difference between atheists and Christians is that athiests don’t believe in one more god than Christians.
Does that help? I’m not saying you should question your faith - I think you’re right and I agree with you. All I’m saying is that from the atheistic perspective, your question doesn’t make sense. it’s called “Pascal’s wager,” and it’s not really a two way choice.
I just think it’s important for Christians to actually understand where atheists are coming from.
Comment by: Jason
9I’m glad you mentioned Pascal’s Wager. I was about to launch into a rant about it. ;) Suffice it to say that it is such a poorly made argument that it simply highlights the weakness of a deity who would insist upon obedience without sincerity. What if I were to lie about my faith? Does a god who could be so easily fooled with a lie deserve genuine worship?
Actually you do. The God of Islam and the God of the Jew is the same Abrahamic deity that is the God of the Christians. Oh there are greater differences than simply presentation and the three groups all assume that the others are wrong about key points. Yet on a fundamental level though the god is the same one.
Actually I think that it is very healthy to question your beliefs. It can certainly enhance them and make them stronger as well as help you to identify where they are weak or misunderstood. Blind faith can be a terrible thing in the wrong hands.
Comment by: Mike O
10Yes, we’ve talked about this before. it’s healthy to question and therefore solidify (hopefully) your faith, but that doesn’t mean you have to be in a state of constant confusion. I’m sure of my faith, but I “check my work” quite frequently. Also, I said that for Naomi who is probably new to this environment.
Comment by: Jason
11Oh yeah. Hi Noemi and welcome. *waves*