Your Spiritual Gifts & Maturity
God is a generous giver, lavishing gifts upon His people out of His love and grace. These gifts are not meant to be hidden or left unused but to be embraced and put into action. Throughout Scripture, we see promises from Jesus that reveal the heart of this giving—His assurance to never leave or forsake us, His promise that our prayers in His name will move heaven, and His declaration that sending the Holy Spirit would be for our good. These words were not just for His disciples but for us today, shaping how we live and serve in His kingdom.
Yet, many believers struggle to recognize or understand the spiritual gifts God has given them. Some have been discipled deeply in this area, while others have never considered the possibility that they possess divine abilities meant for a purpose. Romans 12 makes it clear: every believer has been gifted uniquely to serve and build up the body of Christ. Whether it's leadership, teaching, generosity, encouragement, or kindness, these gifts are given with intention. They are not participation trophies; they are tools meant to be used well for God’s glory.
Seeing these gifts emerge, even in young people, is one of the most exciting aspects of faith. Spiritual gifts are not reserved for adulthood; they can be evident in teenagers and children, blossoming as they grow into the people God designed them to be. The beauty of these gifts is seen in everyday life, in the way families come together, in the patience of a father, in the faith of a young woman, or in the joy of gathering with loved ones. God’s gifts are meant to be lived out, woven into the fabric of our lives, drawing us deeper into His purpose and mission.
Spiritual maturity is what makes a spiritual gift truly effective. Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 4 that believers are meant to grow in their faith, deepening their roots and expanding their influence. Just as we expect children to mature over time, God expects His followers to develop in their understanding and application of spiritual gifts. Immaturity can leave believers vulnerable to false teachings and misguided ideologies that sound appealing but stray from biblical truth. Paul warns against being "tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching," emphasizing the need for believers to be grounded in Scripture and led by the Holy Spirit. True maturity isn’t just about how long someone has been a Christian but about their depth of character and discernment, ensuring their gifts are used in alignment with God's will.
A lack of maturity alongside a strong gift can create significant problems, as seen in the life of Joseph. Early in his life, Joseph had a prophetic gift, but his immaturity caused tension with his family when he boasted about his dreams. This led to hardship, betrayal, and years of suffering. However, through trials and growth, Joseph developed the character necessary to steward his gift wisely. By the time Pharaoh needed his insight, Joseph had matured into a leader who could handle the responsibility. His story illustrates the danger of an undeveloped character alongside a powerful gift—the gap between the two can lead to vulnerability and even downfall. But when spiritual gifts operate within a foundation of maturity, they become transformative tools for God's purposes.
Spiritual growth isn’t always easy to measure, but one key indicator is the presence of trusted relationships that hold us accountable. We all need people in our lives who will encourage us when we’re growing and challenge us when we’re struggling. If we’re intentionally hiding parts of our lives from others, that’s a sign we need accountability in those areas. Self-evaluation, both personal and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, also plays a crucial role. When people are drawn to us because of how we live, it often reflects that God’s character is being formed in us. However, we must stay vigilant, as the enemy seeks to attack both our weaknesses and unguarded strengths. Temptation is common to everyone, but God always provides a way out. Staying rooted in prayer, Scripture, worship, and community helps us continue to develop godly character.
Our spiritual gifts are not just for personal fulfillment—they are meant to serve others and glorify God. Whether it's teaching, administration, encouragement, or acts of service, God has uniquely equipped each of us to make a difference. Consider how Bezalel’s craftsmanship in Exodus and Peter’s boldness in the New Testament impacted countless lives. Likewise, when we faithfully use our gifts, the ripple effect extends far beyond what we can see. Growth in character enhances the effectiveness of our gifts, shaping us into patient, gracious, and Spirit-led people. As we continue on this journey, let’s ask God to highlight areas where we need growth, while also recognizing and celebrating the progress He has already made in us. You’re likely doing better than you think—keep leaning into Jesus and trusting that He is working through you.