Assuming four bowls or vessels are placed in front of you, one is filled with gold, the other filled with diamond, the third filled with straw or clay, and the forth filled with Jesus; which would you go for?

I believe a large percentage will make the wrong choice either due to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh or the pride of life. The decision to either to go for the vessel filled with gold or diamond seems to be the wisest choice. For someone who wants to be really practical, he would say of what use is the vessel filled with Jesus or the vessel filled with straw and clay? I would rather go for gold and diamond. So, the least vessel to go for would be Jesus or the bowl of straw and clay. Does it mean that the straw is useless? The answer is no! Does it mean Jesus has less value than the gold or diamond? The answer is absolutely no! But in relation to value, the value of the straw is negligible thereby making it difficult for anyone to go for the straw, the value of Jesus is high but most are ignorant of it. So, we make choices choosing between life and death, good or bad, wise or foolish due to either lack of discernment; i.e. not being led by the Spirit or we have no interest in that thing, or we see and attach no value in that thing.  

This was the same scenario that played out between Jacob and Esau. While Jacob saw value, glory and blessings in the birthright, Esau despised and commonized it. The vessels of gold and diamond in every sense of it could be like the pot of stew Esau craved for. Jesus could have gone for the glory of this world and would have missed out becoming the King of kings and the one who was given dominion and all authority. (Meaning all things was put under His feet). 

What is the essence of this analogy? Bible says we are treasures in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power might be of God and not of us. Although we are earthen vessels, just like those bowls, what makes them valuable is not the vessel in itself, their values are a function of their content. Here is the wisdom; when you choose Jesus; choose here means when you believe in Jesus and accept Him, He fills you with something the world has never seen, He fills you with all kinds of valuables. Bible says for eyes have not seen, ears have not heard and it has not yet gotten into the heart of men what God has prepared for those who love Him. This possibility is only for those who choose the vessel filled with Jesus. Hence, in Jesus, we have been decorated by God with abilities and capacities that if tapped adequately, can and will make us a sign and a wonder on the earth. The Bible says we are God’s workmanship created in Christ for good works.

In order for the purposes of God to be fulfilled on the earth, the role of gifts and its manifestation cannot be over-emphasized. However, what God has deposited in us is far more valuable than the diamonds or gold that could be in those vessels. This is what we call gifts, talents, capacities, potentials and abilities.

Have you wondered how the sons of Issachar led the other tribes of Israel? The Bible says and their brethren were at their command. The reason is because they had understanding of the times and seasons. It’s not everyone that has this kind of understanding. It was a unique gifting of the Holy Spirit specially reserved for a certain member of that tribe.

God had showed Joseph a great future, but in addition to that dream is the gift of interpretation of dreams. This can also be called the gift of foresight and insight. Joseph said to pharaoh 7 fat cows represent 7 years of plenty. Such an understanding is a function of the gift of the Spirit. What is the correlation between 7 fat cows and seven years of plenty? Think about it. Could have meant anything. This is the ability of a man not to judge according to the seeing of the eyes or the hearing of the ears. Did we see that for every dream or vision there is a corresponding gift from God to bring it pass?

Men are as unique, valuable, and sort after to the degree of how much they recognize their gifting and how excellent they are at what they are gifted with. Similarly, men are as valuable to the degree how much they know God.

The Bible says let us make man in our image and according to our likeness let them have dominion. One of the ways in which God desires to give man dominion is for the man to recognize and maximize what God has deposited on His inside. In this article I would be attempting to give a general overview on gifts and to answer certain questions about gifts, which are; what is a gift? What are the types of gifts? How do I pay attention to my gifts or maximize the gifts of God? What is the purpose and essence of spiritual gifts?

What is a gift?

A gift is an ability given by God through grace and received by man for the purpose of building up the church and supporting the faith. It is often associated with spiritual growth, healing, and service to others. Spiritual gifts are unique from person to person and are meant to be used for the benefit of others, not for personal gain or recognition. They are often seen as a way to express one's love for God and for others, and to contribute to the greater good of the body of Christ.

There are diverse gifts given to men which would enable them uniquely stand out in their worlds and spheres of influence, a church that has discovered, recognized and maximized her gifting will inevitably be a dominion force on the earth. The primary responsibility of this article is to show a road map and to answer the questions that will ultimately bring us into our God ordained destiny.   

I would like you to keep this at the back of your mind even as you proceed with this read. Spiritual gifts come in light and its potency is sustained by light. How did I know this? The Bible says every good and perfect gift come from above; from the Father of light. Bible says the gifting and the callings of God are irrevocable. Although it is irrevocable it can be corrupted if it is not used in the service of the kingdom. If it is used for the advancement of the kingdom of darkness, it diminishes until it is as good as nothing. This is the reason why I said it comes from light and it is sustained by light.

What are the types of gifts?

#. Firstly, Natural gifts: This is what we call talents. The Bible says; the gift of a man makes way for him and makes appear before kings and not mere men. This kind of gifts include singing, acting, painting, construction, sculpting etc.

#. Secondly, Physical gift: This kind of gift we receive from friends, well-wishers, lovers, parents, siblings etc. It can be categorized into the following:

• The gift of purpose and destiny. A typical example of this kind of gift was the gift from the wise men who came from the east. These are the kind of gifts given to Jesus by the wise men with each of them depicting a meaning, and the purpose for which He was born.
• Gift, as a sign of love. Jacob gave Joseph the coat of many colors because he loved him.  
• Gift as a result of royalties. This kind of gifts are given to kings by their subjects or by other kings who either come to visit, or desire to have bilateral ties with a particular king. An example of this kind of gifts was the gift Queen Sheba brought for Solomon. The Bible says also says king Hiram sent to Solomon materials to build the temple, Nehemiah and Ezra received these kinds of gifts.
• Gifts as rewards. This kind of gifts comes in form of a favor for a favor received or shown. This is one of the ways to be exceptionally wealthy. Although it does not come easy but the rewards are huge. The Bible says kings will come to the brightness of your rising. They won’t come empty handed. Daniel received such a gift, Joseph and David where rewarded in such a manner to.

#.  Thirdly, Christ’s gifts which could also be called ministry gifts or the ascension gifts.  These are gifts given or appointed to men by Jesus Himself. That is why accepting Jesus is the prerequisite to being filled with Jesus and being filled with Jesus is the same as being filled with the Spirit of grace. So, your life on a daily basis is the manifestation of grace. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:8, “Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” Verse 11 says’ “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.”

#. Fourthly, Spiritual gifts. Also known as the gift of the Holy Spirit. The gifts the Holy Spirit will give you surpasses your natural talent. There is a limit to what natural talent can do. When spiritual gifts are engaged, you solve the problems that are very difficult for the human mind to comprehend. Natural talent and abilities cannot dispel darkness; the gift of the Spirit carries an anointing that gives you a cutting edge or advantage. The Bible says “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13) This is very profound. There is no gift as beautiful and precious as the gift of the Holy Spirit. But this can only be made possible by Jesus Christ. David recognized this when He said take not your Holy Spirit from me. This is the secret of David; this is how he was invincible during battles. The gift of the Holy Spirit is actually the presence of God; it is God gifting a man His presence. It is God giving a man that decides to make God his own portion and inheritance.

The Bible according to 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 says; there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit. Meaning that the gifts could be many but the Holy Spirit is responsible for its administration and manifestation. It says to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of Knowledge, to another faith, to another the gift of healing, to another the working of miracles to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirit. Etc.

Summarily, Spiritual gifts can be elaborately categorized into the following: Wisdom and knowledge, Faith and encouragement, Healing and restoration, Prophecy and discernment, Teaching and leadership, Hospitality and service, Giving and generosity, Tongues and interpretation, Mercy and compassion, Evangelism and outreach.

Why does God give gift to men?  

# Firstly, the primary reason why God gives gift to men is primarily because of the urgency of His assignment and the extent to which he desires for His will to be done on the earth. There is something called “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on the earth.” If God sees the need for His will to be done on the earth, He would send His gift, His resources towards that project. This is the reason why certain children are born as deliverers and judges, this is the reason why certain kingdom emissaries are sent. God endows or reserves His gifts on everyone who it has been written about in the volume of the books to do His will on the earth. (Think about this)

Let’s see the book of Genesis 1 verse 28.  It would further explain why God give gifts to men. The Bible says “Then God blessed them and God said to them, be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.” But when you get to chapter 2 verse 18 “God said it is not good that the man should be alone.” Did you see that? The loneliness of the man negates the blessing in chapter 1 verse 28.  I like you to see this Scripture from another perspective.

When you read all through the book of Genesis, you would realize that all the things that God had been creating were good until He came to this point that He found Adam to be alone. We saw the intention of God in chapter 1 verse 26, and in verse 28 the dominion is to be given via the blessing. He said be fruitful, multiply. So, you can’t be fruitful and multiply if you are alone. God said it is not good for the man to be alone. And that was what necessitated the gift of a helper.

The Bible says there was no help meet comparable to him. Note the word comparable. Comparable talks about image and likeness. Bible says we are treasures in earthen vessels. Genesis 2 verse 7 says then God formed man of the dust of the ground. So, although man is made of dust, but the Holy Spirit in that man produces brilliance and beauty. Truly this is what we call gift. This means that without God’s endowment in a man, without God living in a man, the man would be alone. And it is impossible to accomplish Gods assignment alone, only by His presence. Bible says it is God that is at work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. That’s why the Bible says by flesh shall no man prevail.

See what God said I will make him a help meet comparable to him. So, the similitude of God taking the woman; the helper out of the man, is a picture of God putting the Holy Spirit in us to help us.

#. Secondly, men receive gift from God by request or by desire in the place of prayer. The Bible says earnestly covet the best gift. This talks about asking and receiving. The Bible says no man can receive anything except it is given from above. So, when you pray desiring that you will not use it for your own selfish reasons but for the kingdom, you will be given. Solomon asked for wisdom for the sake of God’s people and God gave him an understanding heart. Bible says he that lacks wisdom should ask of the Lord who gives liberally and upbraided not. When you ask of the Lord, you will receive.

#. Thirdly, God gives his gift because of love. The Bible says for God so loved the world that He gave. Jesus is the biggest gift ever given to mankind. This is why before you can have the gift, you must first receive the gift of God which is Jesus Christ. When man fell short of God’s glory, riches, blessing, power and honor; for man to be restored, for the Spirit of God to be poured out upon all flesh again God gave the world Jesus Christ. And this is the reason why we must believe in Him for any significant progress or manifestation of spiritual gifts in our lives.

How do I pay attention to my gifts or maximize the gifts of God?

#. You maximize your gift by putting it to use. Don’t be like the servant with one talent who went to bury his gift. The gift didn’t yield returns for the master. As many gifts you have received, you must put them to use so that it can bring glory to God.

#. You maximize your gift by sharpening it. This talks about constant refinement. Apostle Paul said to Timothy his protégée; Fan to flame the gifts of God you have received by the laying on of hands. The Bible says “If the axe is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.” (Eccl 10:10) so, you must keep the fire burning, don’t let the flame go cold. Read, develop yourself, pray, fast as often as you are led. Give it whatever it takes.

#. Appreciate your gift don’t ignore it, don’t disdain it, don’t count it to be nothing. What you don’t value, people will not value it. So, your glory is in your gifting. If kings will come to your light to your gift, it is because you didn’t trample on it.

#. Display your gifts. This talks about strategic positioning. And one of the ways you position your gift strategically is by solving problems, be a solution provider. Don’t hide it, don’t cover it. Anyone who wants to be known does not do excellent things in the secret. Joseph said to the chief butler, make mention of me to Pharaoh. Jesus said you are like a city set upon a hill that cannot be hidden. Whatever you have been told in the secret you must declare it on the roof top. Do you remember the Scripture that says in the latter days the mountain of the Lords house shall be exalted, shall be established on top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills? It says and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say come let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob for he will teach us His ways. And we shall walk in His paths

Having had this background what then is the purpose and essence of gifts?

Understanding the purpose and essence of gifts forms the basis for which we can maximize the gifts of God. The nature of your gift is a pointer to the people you are sent to. If you have the gift of light and vision, it is because there are a people sitting in darkness. If you have the gift of healing, it is because there are people who are sick.

Ephesians 4:12-16 says the purpose or essence of gifts is; “For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

In summary, the purpose and essence of gifts is;

1. For the profit of all and for the profit of the master.
2. For fruitfulness; we are to bear fruits of righteousness, which would not be possible without the help of the Holy Spirit.
3. To solve problems. To be a solution, to bring the message of hope. To help humanity, to ease burdens.
4. For leadership. Because we are stewards. Bible says it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. The essence of gifting is for faithful stewardship. Apostle Paul said we are stewards of the mysteries
5. To be a blessing to your generation.

Gifts are for a function; gifts are God’s system of empowering His children to carry out His assignment on His behalf on the earth. Let me conclude by asking this question; What is your gift? How will you deploy it for the benefit of the body of Christ?

Thanks for the gift of your time, Apeh Francis Abah!
Feel free to share your thoughts or testimony in the comment box below. I promise to respond as soon as possible!