9-7-2018 – A Word to the Wise: ON GIFTS
For some thirty years I have introduced a group of gifts which I refer to as the Motivational Gifts. This group of seven gifts are to be found in Romans 12:4ff. These gifts are given to all mankind and for the most part assigned one gift to a person at conception.
These gifts have several purposes but most important reveal different aspects of the Heavenly Father. As one becomes aware of their particular gift they begin to see method and purpose in creation.
But there are other groups of gifts as well. One such group is found in I Corinthians 12. These gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit to those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and God. The gifts are given by the Spirit to those whom He sees fit. Their purpose finds fulfillment in serving others. They are not based on birth, or authority, nor position.
In Ephesians 4 we discover another set of gifts which are distinguished from the two previous sets. It would appear that these are distributed by Jesus to ministry leaders for the purpose of building up the body. These gifts carry a certain degree of authority. Again they are distinctive and not to be identified with the previous gifts. However, all of the gifts seem to operate within the context of the Motivational gifts. That is they accent or intensify one or more of the traits usually found in the Motivational gift
These three major sets of gifts comprise most of the attention on gifts in the New Testament. However there are other gifts that are given based on the status of the person, or faith possessed by the individual.
The first is known as ‘the desire of one’s heart’, it is reserved for those whom the Lord classifies as fatherless. This term applies to those who are without a father, mother or both. The loss may be acquired by death of a parent, neglect, or divorce.
This group also comprises those who are abused, abandoned, or rejected. Biblically, there are over forty examples including Solomon, Moses, Samuel, and others including Jesus where this gift is to be observed.
Besides ‘the desire of one’s heart’, the person is allowed a relationship if desired which allows comforting directly by the Lord, as opposed to those comforted by those comfortable by others. (II Corinthians 1:3-4). Again this gift operates within the confines of the Motivational Gift and is in addition to any other gift.
One example would be Solomon. His Motivational gift is Administrator, however the desire of his heart was an Exhorter trait wisdom. It is with Solomon we first hear the phrase ‘desire of the heart.’
Similar treatment by the Lord of widows may be observed. Intimacy of relationship with the Lord. His special protection, along with other attributes.
The next gift comes in the form of certain skills, or intelligence. It is best defined by examples found in scripture. Exodus 31:1ff gives us the example where the Lord fills the individual with special abilities.
Several examples are given in this one short chapter. Bezalel is give special ability in craftsmanship. Oholiab, and others special abilities with all kinds of furnishings.
Intriguingly, we learn in I Samuel 14 that the Lord teaches a form of combat to Jonathan and his armor bearer which was unknown until used in the battle of Mishmash. Other examples are found in scripture. Genesis 30:25ff tells us of an unusual genetic gift possessed by Jacob. Another example is Uzziah with special skills in military armament. Therefore we learn many such gifts to individual are recorded in scripture.
I believe also the Lord obliquely refers us to another set of gifts in His parable of the talents. (Matthew 25:14ff). True it is a parable, However, I believe it suggest that some are given exceedingly large gifts, or abilities for which they are responsible. Some use these gifts profitably, others waste them. All, however will be called to account for their use.
Now the reason for this discussion is to make us aware that some, or perhaps many possess unusual gifts and yet remain ignorant of them.
So how does one discover gifts that the Lord may have bestowed? I think a study of the Motivational gifts opens a door to the methods the Lord uses. How different traits are inspired and become a part of us. Once an understanding of this gift is appreciated then one would ask certain questions of themselves in order to look for hidden talents or abilities.
Summarizing then what is a person’s Motivational gift? Does a person fall in the group where they have lost one or more parents by death, abandonment, abuser, or rejection? Is the individual a widow? If so they should they should pursue and understanding of the three ways the Lord compensates the
loss. Decide what the desire of their heart is and ask the Lord for it.
Next were they born with and unusual ability. Perhaps music, math, physics, crafts, hearing, and seeing, speaking, or other qualities that go beyond the normal. Characteristics which you have found yourself thinking about, dreaming about, or tinkering with in your spare time. These provide indicators that need to be pursued and developed.
It should be noted however, that all of every type of gift is an open door that demands prayer, gratitude, growth, practice, study, and diligent work, otherwise the ability will be lost, or unproductive.
