Missing My Calling?
Posted By FarmerJ on June 19, 2011
I don’t exactly remember what I was doing the other day, but something made me think about spiritual gifts. Of course, that naturally led my thoughts to what my spiritual gifts might be.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift
is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving
let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him
encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give
generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing
mercy, let him do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12:6-8
Without a doubt in my mind, I’d concluded that the gift God granted me is the gift of serving. I find enormous joy in being able to help others in need ~ whether it is specifically asked for, or it is purely observational on my part. It is always without hesitation that I volunteer to do something when a need arises. It makes my heart sing to create little “I’m thinking of you and care about you!” packages to ship off to someone resulting in complete surprise.
So, just for fun and to see how well I think I know myself, I took an online 35-question spiritual gift test. After answering all the questions, I clicked on the ‘Submit’ button and the results were shown. My scores in each of the gift categories were tallied. Then, I was instructed to choose the top two or three highest scoring categories ~ those being the primary ways to serve God through the exercise of that gift.
My top three scores were all within three points ~ 13 through 15. Not at all surprised, I scored the highest with a 15 in the gift of service. Now, if I were asked, I would have said that my second strongest gift is organizing. Hands down. No question. But, that would have been wrong. At least according to the results of this test, anyway. Organizing was actually my third highest gift with a score of 13.
I am absolutely floored at what was being indicated as my second highest gift. I mean, really amazed. Famboozled, even. What was it? Leadership. Seriously? Me? No way. I’m the one who enjoys and thrives by working quietly and diligently in the back corner…probably assembling those care packages. So, I took it again. I actually answered some of the questions differently, yet still honestly. It does no good to cheat on a test about yourself, you know. Same results. Really?! Leadership?
I am really astonished by this. Taken aback, even. I have spent a lot of time pondering this, and intend to ponder and pray about it a lot more.
…if it is leadership, let him govern diligently…
I want very much to live my life as He would have me. My desire is to glorify God in all things I do. It appears I may be missing out on an opportunity!
Now, to just figure out what that is… ♥
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Buddie, it doesn’t surprise me how your spiritual gifts test turn out.
Leadership, absolutely!!!!!!!!
Of coarse you are so kind, willing to stop and help those in need, send that buddie box with a smile. You also, are so loving in sharing, with those special things you have planted and hand picked so, they won’t go hungry. Spending hours in that wonderful time warp you live in, to look around each day and say ” I am your servant and I am listening”.
Buddie J, am so glad you took the survey twice. hehehe this tells me your OCD is not gone yet, (JK)
He has given us gifts and I am so glad he has given you the “Gift of Leadership”.
I am blessed to have you as my Leader.
Oh, Buddy. What do I lead you in? Absolute craziness? Heehee! No, the OCD is still there in full force. It’s part of the extreme organizing thing. Husbie and I were watching a show last night, and there was a scene where a couple was gathering survival food and tossing it into the buggy willy-nilly. Husbie said, “They should have you load the buggy so you could fit more in there.” Heehee! What can I say ~ other than that every thing has its place. At least in my mind!