The "Best" Gifts

By Greg Laurie, Op-ed contributor Tuesday, July 22, 2008

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. . . . " —Romans 12:6

What are the best spiritual gifts for a believer to have? It all depends.

If I am having a difficult time sharing my faith with someone, and you come along and have been gifted as an evangelist, then that is the best gift at that particular moment.

But then let's say I am trying to understand the meaning of a particular passage of Scripture, and God has given you the gift of teaching. For you to come along could be a great benefit to me.

Then again, let's say that I am undertaking a complex project, and I need help. What I really need is someone with the gift of helps or administrations.

Or, let's say that I'm lying in a hospital bed, and I'm discouraged. I don't really need a Bible study. I don't need someone to come and help me organize my life. I need someone with the gift of exhortation or encouragement. I need someone to come and help me see that God is still in control of my life.

Each one of these gifts is important, as God has distributed them.

We make a big mistake when we think some gifts are of greater importance than others. They all have their place, and God has given them as He has chosen. Therefore, we need to pray, "Lord, what are my gifts? Help me to discover them. Help me to develop them. Help me to use them."

One day, when you stand before God, you will be held accountable for what He called you to do. And one day, He will reward you for how faithful you were with what He gave you.

Used with Permission