3 Common Myths About Your God-Given Gifts Busted!

Do you know what your gifts are? Better yet, do you know how to use them? Even better – are you using them? God endows us all with talents that can be used to build His kingdom. You may be wondering what yours are or if you even have any. Let me assure you that, yes, you have gifts, and the Lord wants to use them! You can use your gifts in several facets, both in and outside of the church building.

Related Post: What Are You Doing With Your Talent?

Unfortunately, there are a few myths that float around when it comes to using our God-given gifts. Let's combat them here.

Myth #1: Only "special" people have gifts.

The bible clearly states that each of us has a unique gift. Romans 12:6 says,

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us."

The scripture doesn't stop there but urges us to use these gifts actively. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says,

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

The word "serve" in this text means caring for the needs of others as the Lord guides in an active, practical way – literally, "kicking up dust" because one is "on the move."

Myth #2: Gifts are only for platforms.

1 Corinthians 12:14 says,

“Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body?”

In this scripture, we see firsthand how each gift – no matter what position – is equally valuable. Sometimes we think that “real” gifts are designated for a stage. How wrong that is! Your gift – no matter how visible to others – is without a doubt important to the edification of the church.

Myth #3: Our gifts are for us.

If we don't use our gifts from a foundation of love, they mean nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says,

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing."

The primary use for our gifts is to serve one another in love.

We must never lose sight of this foundation. God does not give us gifts for us to boast, but for us to wear humility and put our brethren before us. After reading this, I urge you to pray to God and ask Him to reveal how he wants to use your gifts. You are called to serve and strengthen the body of Christ actively. We need you – so get moving!