Gifted Differently

by Vinetta Sanderson

February 2006

Have you ever wondered why some people 'focus' differently, learn differently, respond or react differently to the same situation?

Psalm 139:14 says "we are fearfully and wonderfully made."  Understanding ourselves and others can be very complex but not understanding ourselves and others can often cause great frustration.  We know we are all 'different', but understanding those differences in our personalities and giftings, our strengths and weaknesses, is enlightening and freeing!

Since the '70's, people have become more concerned with getting to know themselves better - probably for many reasons!  There are MANY varied tests and studies available.  Christian and secular studies have not only helped us understand ourselves and others, but deal with issues of misunderstanding, acceptance, and forgiveness.  Awareness has also caused us to release one another in their giftings and feel fulfilled in doing what we are best equipped to contribute to our community, church and family.

It is important with whichever study we explore on gifts, personality types or styles, that we do not limit God's ability to expand our potential or to teach us how to become more like Him beyond our natural abilities. And sometimes God asks us to be involved outside of our comfort zones, either in a season of life or in preparation for the future.

The Bible speaks of at least three categories of gifts, each unique and distinct from the others.

1.  The Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-10 TAB)

        "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Holy Spirit - that is, the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit - for good and profit.  To one is given in and through the Holy Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Holy Spirit; To another (wonder-working) faith by the same Holy Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight - that is, the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose; to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterance of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues."

These 'manifestation' gifts Paul defined as supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit at work through a believer in Christ.  These gifts are governed by the Holy Spirit both for those who use the gift and those who benefit by them.

2.  The Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13)

        "And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us,] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, travelling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers."

The purpose of these ministry gifts is explained in Ephesians 4:12-13:
         "For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God..."

These gifts are really people gifted to equip the Body of Christ.

3.  The Motivational Gifts  (Romans 12:6-8 TAB)

        "Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; (he who exhorts, encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness."

It would seem that these gifts were built into us, a part of who we were made to be (our DNA as it were), to be used for the benefit of others and for God's glory.  These gifts shape our personalities.  As with any gift, it is our choice to use these gifts as God intended, to neglect them, or even abuse them.  However, our 'natural tendencies' will be to rise up in the gift we were given. 

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these gifts should help us appreciate differences in others and heed the preceding verses of Rom. 12:3  "For by the grace given to me I warn every one among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought - not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance; but to rate his ability with sober judgement, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him."  Verse five says we are parts of one another - "mutually dependent on one another."  One gift is not superior or inferior to the other - each gift is of equal value.  Remember, we all need each other!

Over the next months, we will look at each of these Motivational Gifts:

1.  Perceiver (Prophecy)
2.  Server
3.  Teacher
4.  Exhorter
5.  Giver
6.  Administrator
7.  Compassion/Mercy person

Here's a little test to start you discerning your motivational gift.  If someone were to walk into a room with a birthday cake, and suddenly drop it, what would your first response be?  Think carefully and be honest.  We'll talk about this as we discover our God-given gifts.

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Editor's Note:  This study is adapted from the book "Discover Your God-Given Gifts" by Don & Katie Fortune.