The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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Because the gift of encouragement was clearly evident, the apostles gave a disciple named
Joseph a new name, “Son of Encouragement” or “Barnabas” (Acts 4:36).
Confirmation is important also in that it builds a system of accountability for the use of your
gifts. Though we are ultimately accountable to God, we are also immediately accountable to
each other.
If you have a certain gift and nobody knows it, it is very easy for you to be lazy about using it
for no one will know the difference. However, once your gift is known and confirmed by the
body, your fellow believers will expect to see that gift used.
The existence of a gift is a call to exercise it. Eyes are purposeless unless they exercise the
function of sight. Paul advised Timothy, “Do not neglect your gift” (I Tim. 4:14). Then he
adds, “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see
your progress (I Tim. 4:15). Paul also told Timothy, “Discharge all the duties of your ministry”
(II Tim. 4:5b). When gifts are faithfully used, they become increasingly effective, but when
neglected God’s service is curtailed.
Because the disuse of a limb results in paralysis or atrophy, doctors order patients up soon
after surgery for exercise. Similarly, exercise is the only way to prevent a gift’s lapse or
collapse.
An important principle in the use of spiritual gifts is that the exercise of one gift may lead to
the discovery of other gifts. Philip was chosen as one of the first deacons of the early church
(“Jerusalem seven”) to distribute food etc. because of his wisdom, faith and being full of the
Holy Spirit. He exercised his gifts of administration, helps and mercy in helping those Grecian
widows who were being overlooked by the Aramaic-speaking community (Acts 6:1-5). Later
Philip is referred to as an evangelist and miracle-worker (Acts 8:4-8, 28-40). It is probable that
the faithful use of his gifts of wisdom, helps, administration and mercy led to the discovery of
his gifts of evangelism and miracles.
Jesus taught this principle when He stated, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have
been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Mt. 25:23).
The faithful use of one gift often leads to other gifts. Faithfulness in one area may lead to a
wider ministry.
Due to ignorance, unbelief, and disobedience God’s gifts are not being used to their fullest.
The insufficient number of qualified workers in the Lord’s ministry cannot be blamed on the
Holy Spirit, but on those who neglect or resist Him. In each Christian resides the Holy Spirit
who longs to see us discover and develop the gifts He has placed within us. Each church is
filled with believers in whom are hidden treasures. Unused gifts squander the grace of God.