WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND HOW DO I DISCOVER MINE

A Parable: The King’s Banquet of Lights

In the days of the great King john, there was a yearly celebration called The Feast of Lights. It was the most anticipated event of the year. From the first announcement, the city seemed to awaken in joy. Streets were washed and polished until they shone under the midday sun. Children ran through the markets, singing songs about the coming feast, their laughter ringing like silver bells in the air. Bakers worked long hours, kneading dough and filling the air with the scent of bread laced with honey and crushed almonds. Musicians sat in courtyards plucking strings and blowing flutes, each note echoing the excitement of the people.
The feast had a special tradition. Every citizen of the kingdom, from the palace guard to the shepherd in the hills, had been given a lamp by the King at birth. These lamps were personal and unique. Some were crafted of gold with delicate designs that caught the light and scattered it into rainbow sparks. Others were shaped from clay, plain yet strong and enduring. Some burned with a tall steady flame, others glowed gently like starlight. No lamp was meant to be exactly like another.
Over the years, however, some people stopped valuing their lamp. A merchant, embarrassed by its simple shape, hid his in a chest under bolts of silk. A farmer, tired of trimming his wick, exchanged his lamp for a handful of silver to buy more seed. Others simply let the oil run dry, saying they would tend to it “another day” that never came. But a few treasured theirs, polishing the metal, trimming the wick, and keeping the oil ready, even when no one was watching.
As the feast drew near, the King’s herald rode into every village and called out, “Let every man and woman bring the light given to them at birth, for the feast will not be complete without the brightness of every lamp.” His voice rang through valleys and echoed in market squares.
On the night of the feast, the palace gates swung open to reveal a breathtaking sight. Golden pillars reached toward the ceiling like a forest of light. Crystal chandeliers dripped with jewels, reflecting a thousand tiny flames. Tapestries told stories of battles won, lands restored, and mercy shown to the humble. The King’s throne shone with such brilliance that even the boldest had to bow their heads.
Guests streamed in, each carrying their lamp. The light from their flames mingled together, filling the hall with warmth and beauty. Yet in some corners, shadows lingered, for a few had come without their lamps, their hands empty and their faces downcast.
Near the entrance, a proud nobleman arrived with a grand golden lamp, but no oil. He lifted it high, yet it gave no light. People looked on, puzzled, until they realized it was only for show. A small boy passed by him, his tiny clay lamp glowing faintly but steadily, and the light danced across the nobleman’s cold metal.
Then an old woman stood hesitating at the door, clutching her own small clay lamp. She whispered to herself, “It is too small. It will not make a difference.” But the King’s words echoed in her memory. With trembling hands, she lit her lamp and stepped inside. The glow bounced off the golden walls and seemed to grow brighter as she walked. People nearby noticed and moved closer, their faces warming in the light.
In that moment she understood: the value of her lamp was not in its size, but in the purpose for which it was made.
The King, seeing her light from across the hall, rose from His throne and said with a smile, “Well done. You have honored the gift I placed in your hands.”

The Spiritual Meaning of the Parable

The lamp represents the unique spiritual gift given to you by God when you were born again. The banquet represents the work of the Kingdom on earth. The King giving each person a lamp shows that every believer has been equipped with something vital for the body of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Some gifts may appear grand and public, others may seem small and unseen, but each one is essential. The body of Christ suffers when any gift is hidden or unused.
Prophetic declaration: I will not hide the light God has given me, in the name of Jesus.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to enable believers to serve God and others effectively. They are not merely natural skills, though they may work alongside the talents you already have, they are divine empowerments. They come from God’s grace, not human effort, and are meant to build the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV) says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This means your gift is not for personal glory but for the blessing and strengthening of others.

The Gifts in Scripture
God’s Word reveals different categories of gifts, each with a unique purpose:

1. The Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8–10) – supernatural demonstrations of the Spirit

• Word of Wisdom: divine insight into God’s will in specific situations.
• Word of Knowledge: supernatural revelation of facts you could not know naturally.
• Faith: extraordinary confidence in God to do the impossible.
• Gifts of Healing: restoring health through divine power.
• Working of Miracles: supernatural acts that defy natural laws.
• Prophecy: speaking the mind and heart of God with clarity and accuracy.
• Discerning of Spirits: distinguishing between divine, human, and demonic influences.
• Different Kinds of Tongues: speaking in languages unknown to the speaker.
• Interpretation of Tongues: translating a message in tongues into a known language.

2. The Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11) – leadership roles for equipping the Church

• Apostles: pioneers and foundation layers for the Kingdom.
• Prophets: reveal God’s heart and direction.
• Evangelists: proclaim the Gospel with power and fruit.
• Pastors: shepherd and care for God’s people.
• Teachers: explain and apply God’s truth with clarity.

3. The Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6–8) – grace-driven tendencies for service

• Prophecy: boldness to declare truth and righteousness.
• Serving: meeting practical needs with joy.
• Teaching: explaining and instructing in truth.
• Exhortation: encouraging and urging others toward growth.
• Giving: sharing resources generously.
• Leadership: guiding others with wisdom and diligence.
• Mercy: showing deep compassion to the hurting.

Gifts vs. Talents

It’s important to distinguish between natural talents and spiritual gifts:
Talents are natural abilities you are born with; singing, athletic skill, artistic ability, problem-solving. They can be developed with practice and are valuable in many areas of life.
Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit after salvation. They are spiritual in origin and purpose, operating beyond natural ability to accomplish God’s will.
For example, you might be naturally skilled in communication (talent), but the Holy Spirit could give you the gift of teaching or prophecy to supernaturally empower your words to transform lives.

Prophetic Declaration:

I embrace the supernatural gift God has given me, and I will use it to glorify Him and bless His people, in the name of Jesus.

Why God Gives Spiritual Gifts

Ephesians 4:12 (NIV) says spiritual gifts are given “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” God never gives gifts at random; He places them strategically in the lives of believers to fulfill His eternal purposes.

Here are key reasons why God gives spirituall gifts:

1. For Impact (to manifest His will on earth): Your gift is a channel for God’s power and love to flow into the world. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a prayer of healing, or a prophetic message, your gift is God’s way of touching lives through you.
2. For Growth (to mature believers): Gifts help the Church grow in depth and maturity. Teaching builds understanding, prophecy corrects and aligns hearts with God’s will, mercy softens hearts, and leadership helps believers stay united and focused.
3. For Service (to meet needs): God’s gifts make His people resourceful and compassionate. The gift of giving meets material needs, the gift of helps ensures no task is left undone, and the gift of mercy heals broken hearts.
4. For Witness (to reveal Christ to the lost): Miracles, healings, and prophetic insight often open doors for unbelievers to encounter the living God. Gifts display His reality in ways words alone cannot.
5. For Unity (to bring the body together): 1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Spiritual gifts create interdependence in the Church, just as an eye cannot replace a hand, no believer’s gift can replace another’s.

Illustration:

Think of the Church as a living body. The hands serve, the eyes see, the mouth speaks, the feet carry, and the heart pumps life through every part. If even one part stops functioning, the whole body feels the loss. In the same way, when a believer hides or neglects their gift, the Church suffers. But when every believer shines their light, the Kingdom advances with strength and beauty.

Prophetic Declaration:

My gift will bring glory to God, strengthen His Church, and be a witness to the world, in the name of Jesus.

How to Discover Your Gift

1. Build intimacy with the Holy Spirit:

Gifts are revealed in His presence. Pray, worship, and study the Word daily.
John 16:13 says the Spirit will guide you into all truth.
Prophetic declaration: I receive clarity on my divine gift, in the name of Jesus.

2. Serve actively:

Gifts grow in use, not neglect. Volunteer, join a ministry, or help where needed.
Prophetic declaration: My service will reveal my gift, in the name of Jesus.

3. Follow your spiritual burden:

Your gift often aligns with what stirs your heart. Nehemiah’s burden revealed his calling.
Prophetic declaration: My holy burden will lead me to my assignment, in the name of Jesus.

4. Look for fruit and confirmation:

What consistently works when you do it? What do others affirm in you?
Prophetic declaration: The fruit of my gift will be evident to all, in the name of Jesus.
5. Seek mentorship and impartation: Paul told Timothy to fan his gift into flame. Mentors help sharpen your calling.

Prophetic declaration: My gift will grow through godly counsel, in the name of Jesus.

Signs You Have Found Your Gift

• It flows with ease
• It impacts lives
• It brings you joy
• The Spirit confirms it
Prophetic declaration: I walk in the fullness of my God-given gift, in the name of Jesus.

Biblical and Modern Examples

Moses was called to lead at the burning bush. David’s gift emerged as a shepherd and warrior. Peter’s apostolic calling was confirmed after restoration. In modern times, many believers discover their gifts while serving quietly in their local churches, only to later realize God had been preparing them for a greater assignment.

Dangers of Neglecting Your Gift

1 Timothy 4:14 warns, “Do not neglect your gift.” Neglect leads to irrelevance, frustration, and depriving others of God’s blessing through you.
Prophetic declaration: My gift will not be wasted, in the name of Jesus.

Activation Declarations

1. My gift is alive and active, in the name of Jesus.
2. I embrace my uniqueness, in the name of Jesus.
3. My light will shine brightly, in the name of Jesus.
4. Every buried gift in me is revived now, in the name of Jesus.
5. My gift will place me before kings, in the name of Jesus.

Practical Steps

1. Pray daily for activation
2. Serve faithfully in one ministry
3. Keep a journal of confirmations
4. Study scriptures on spiritual gifts
5. Share your journey with a mentor

Conclusion: Let Your Light Shine

The King’s banquet is ongoing. Your lamp is needed. The Church is incomplete without your light. Let it shine, not for your glory but for God’s.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Final declaration: My light will not go out. My gift will not be buried. I will complete my assignment with joy, in the name of Jesus.