Today, we will finish up the FAQ’s, and judging from the volume of comments and discussion, I’m guessing that the FAQ format has been helpful to many of you, which I must admit is a relief to me since I really haven’t tried it before in blogging.  OK, here we go…

Are there any dangers related to spiritual gifts?

As with almost anything that involves imperfect human beings, there is a potential for things to go awry in the area of spiritual gifts, so the answer to the question is “yes.” Consider these 7 possibilities:

1. Coveting a particular spiritual gift

Sometimes a person might so desire a particular gift that they find themselves in a covetous frame of mind.  If you covet a gift, it is as though you are saying that God’s plan for you isn’t good enough; it’s akin to saying that you could do a better job of things than God, and this is a disastrous spiritual condition!

2. Assuming an attitude of spiritual superiority

This is a case in which you have the attitude that you and your gift are better than someone else and their gift.  For example, let’s say you have the gift of teaching and your brother has the gift of service.  You have the idea that you are superior to your brother, because you are up front teaching everyone great truths and your brother is sweeping the floor and taking out the trash.  In truth, with this attitude you’re going to be a lousy teacher because you’ve missed one of those great truths you’re supposed to be teaching: humility.  Remember what Paul said: “Can any one part of the body look at the other and say, ‘I have no need of you?’”

3. Neglecting your gift

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (1 Timothy 4:14)

There are two ramifications when you neglect your gift:

1. The body of Christ suffers

1. The great commission is hindered

Both of these are in complete opposition to the purpose for which the gift was given in the first place.

4. Focusing more on the gift than on its ministry application

This is a condition in which people are too focused on their gift and not on what it’s for.  An example would be a person focusing on how much money they have in the bank and not looking for opportunities to use it to glorify God.

5. Becoming legalistic in how gifts should operate

(Or maybe on what gifts there are!)  It is important that we not become too narrow on what the gifts are or how they are manifested.  If they are for the good of the body, and they build the body, let’s not get too narrow and picky.

6. Bringing attention to yourself rather than to God

This happens when you lose track of the goal: Glorify God!

7. Hiding behind your gift

Someone comes to you and asks you for help in the nursery.  You say, “Sorry, that’s not my gift.  I have the gift of faith and I believe you’ll find someone else.”  We must not hide behind our gifts.  There are times when we just need to help out, and this is especially true with short-term commitments.

How long do I need to be a Christian before I can experience spiritual gifts?

There is no hard and fast answer.  There are some who were raised in the church before becoming Christians themselves who can jump in much more quickly because of what they already know; others may need a little more time to fully understand things. There are some areas of responsibility where a new believer can jump right in, and other areas where they aren’t ready at first.  Leadership and teaching positions require a great deal more Christian education, for instance, before a person can perform them properly.  With all of this said, there is no set time limit.

Is my gift complete or mature when I discover what it is?

No.  You need to develop your Christian character and wisdom, and as you do so your gift (and its application) will develop as well.

That’s about good for now; this afternoon I’ll post the last two, including “what are the spiritual gifts?”