Spiritual gifts are often misunderstood or overlooked in modern Christianity, even as they remain as relevant today as they were in the early church. The simplest way to think about a spiritual gift is this: it’s the Holy Spirit at work in us in a particular way the blesses both God and the people who love him.

But how can you tell if the Holy Spirit is at work in you? Let me give you two clear thoughts:

  1. First, you will know the Holy Spirit is working in and through you when your actions and words point people to Jesus rather than direct attention to you.
  2. Second, you will know the Holy Spirit is at work in and through you when your actions and words build up or encourage others instead of shaming them, hurting them, or discouraging them.

Watch for the times throughout your day when these dynamics are at work! Pay attention when your words and actions seem to direct people toward Jesus, toward righteous living, toward integrity, toward grace. And watch for that little uplift in someone’s countenance that tells you your words or actions were a blessing in their lives.

In terms of the types of spiritual gifts God might be using to accomplish his work through your life, consider what the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines,” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, NIV).

I hope you’ll join us in coming weeks as we work through each of these gifts in detail, but for now, let me just plant a few seeds about the first two mentioned: wisdom and knowledge.

The Gift of Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the special ability to offer sound counsel to others, and I think you’d agree that given the rampant misinformation in our world today, this gift is sorely needed. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s complexities and make decisions that honor God.

Wisdom is not limited to age; even young people can possess this gift. The key is to seek out wise counsel, ask thoughtful questions, and be open to learning from others. Jesus himself exemplified this at the age of 12, sitting among teachers and asking questions, and if Jesus valued wisdom, then how much more should we?

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of knowledge is the special ability to have critical insight into people and situations and helps us discern the truth in a world full of deception. How desperately we need knowledge and insight these days, two resources that come from God, alone.

Practicing the Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge

If you’d like to practice these gifts this week, let me give you a few things to try:

  1. Ask God to give you more of these gifts. He loves to lavish us with gifts that honor him!
  2. Surround yourself with wise and godly people. Seek their advice. Ask them insightful questions. Listen well.
  3. Before making your next significant decision, especially in critical areas like voting, making big life changes, or offering counsel to others, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit of Truth will lead you along the path of righteousness, the path that honors God, by helping you make informed and godly decisions.
  4. Identify your spiritual gifts. Then, ask God to reveal to you opportunities for using them to benefit other people. For example, if you have a gift of teaching, consider saying yes to helping tutor children in local schools who are struggling to learn how to read or write or do math.

Remember, the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are available to all who seek them. Let’s use these gifts to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

I love being on this journey with you—

Pastor Brady

Share this: