July 17, 2008
The Law of the Gift
One of the greatest observations that I’ve ever made is that a person’s gift and asset is at the same time his greatest threat. It is represented by the double-edged sword.
I know a man who is probably the most gifted in the discerning of spirits. I have seen him “read” people and know their thoughts. I have witnessed amazing insight upon the things of the Spirit; however, I also noticed how he can lean toward delusional thoughts. He at times has a sense of suspicion. When he becomes delusional he reacts aggressively, cutting and hurting people with his sharp intellect and tongue. The collateral damage is widespread and has eternal repercussions.
Years ago, I preached a message called “The Glory of the Ungifted.” It was built on the premise that John the Baptist was called “the greatest born of woman” by the Lord Jesus Himself; yet, he was also known to have “never performed a miraculous sign.” I took comfort in knowing this truth because, frankly, I do not naturally possess ministry gifts. Please don’t think that I am in anyway insecure. I hardly have an issue with that, and have never been accused of being so. I do know my gifting. I have the gift of discerning other people’s gifts. I’ve simply recruited other people’s abilities to do the work that God has called on me to do. Doing so actually makes me more gifted than possessing a gift within myself.
Keys to the Law of the Gift
The gifted often never recognize their gift because it is “hidden” in their natural ability. They simply think everyone can do it.
The gifted often never sharpen their gift because it is to easy.
The gifted are often bored with their gift.
The gifted are often to arrogant to receive instruction concerning their gift.
The gifted often covet others people’s gifts and ignore their own.
The gifted often minimize their gifts worth never understanding it’s value to others.
The gifted often reserve their gift to draw out harm rather than healing.
Those who abuse their gifting to hurt others rather than help others often become confused and ungrateful toward God.
Ingratitude is the seed of perversion to the natural state of things (Romans 1).