Dominant Conscientious Influent Stable

Desired Outcomes Better teams Increased effectiveness Better Relationships Age old problem

Personal level – Being spiritually gifted Calls me to courageous, faith-filled initiative It’s my move as a STEWARD Calls me to better understand each of you Corporate level – our gifting Asks the church’s leadership to excel in stewardship. Every gift needs to be utilized and maximized Asks for us all to create a culture that appreciates the importance of spiritual gifts Age old problem

Same Author

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Grace

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Each

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Apportioned

Grace – The gift is an expression of God’s goodness. There is a loose connection between me (my merits) and this gift. The gifts tell us more about the GIVER than about the recipient. Each - Diversity is Universal in the Body of Christ – it affects everyone. Apportioned - God orders the diversity according to his desires and values. Each piece fits into a larger plan.

Allusion to Psalm 68:18 Consider WHO the gift is coming from!

To equip the saints for works of service… so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in faith… and become mature. Ephesians 4:12,13

Indentifying a gift, using a gift and growing in a gift… Is probably going to be connected to our dedication to use it as God intended.

Are their pre-requisites?

You must value teamwork You have to desire to achieve high levels of performance You must have motivation to confront change You have to really care about people

Spiritual gifts Character Beliefs & Values

Paul – “I choose to glory only in the cross of Christ.” George – I glory in myself and my accomplishments.

I am the steward of the gift God gave me. It is my job to identify it and use it. I am called to use the gift to bless the Body of Christ whether or not its exercise is easy or difficult. I have been re-created to serve others, and my gift is a divine responsibility. 1 Peter 4:10 There is real spiritual power that God intends to flow through me. Something spiritual happens when I exercise my gift.

Values option 1 Values option 2 1.I do what I’m best at, and avoid areas of lower performance. 1.In developing my gift, I’m dedicated to learning by trail and error. 2.Gifting means that it should come naturally. (It should be easy) 2.Investment in God’s kingdom is so valuable I’ll pay the cost. 3.The weekend is my free-time, a good time for others to build me up. 3.In the weekend I will be with my spiritual family, so it is a great time to use my gift.

Lack of knowledge? Lack of wisdom – “No man builds a barn without first calculating the cost” -- assess the pre-requisites. Lack of willingness?

Each one has a gift, each one has a stewardship. The ball is in my court. God give me courageous, faith-filled initiative! What if I don’t see an “easy application? Question – are there really that many easy applications? Will you send to the elders your top 3 gift assessments?

Recognition of giftedness binds us together Recognition of giftedness often creates contentment The soul seeks its place of service A soul that is restless is more inclined to envy & jealousy

God, what do you want me to do with my gift? God, how am I doing on the pre-requisites of effective gift use? Have I accepted the stewardship of my gift? Have I been expecting it to be easy? Do I believe that REAL spiritual power will flow through me? Am I living out the attitude, “Here I am, send me?” How easy does it have to be in order for me to use my spiritual gifts?