Chapter 3: Functional Gifts

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover:

·    The seven functional spiritual gifts.

·    How to assess your functional gifts and the gifts of others.

·    How different functional gifts work together.

·    Ways to use your gifts at the highest motivational level.

AS A RESULT, you will be able to:

·    Understand the behavior of your children in terms of their gifts.

·    Use your gifts to complement those of others.

·    Grow in the use of all the gifts.

·    Know God's call on your life more clearly.

Key Scripture: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7).

Key Words: Functional Gifts, Interdependence, Manifestation Gifts, Ministry Gifts, Empowerments

At an early age we begin asking the question "Who am I?" and never stop asking it. Our level of maturity is closely tied to how well we know ourselves. An accurate knowledge of our strengths and weaknesses allows us to know God's particular call on our lives more clearly. Such knowledge brings a stabilizing sense of confidence and direction.

In the last chapter we learned to evaluate who we are in terms of the level of emotional and spiritual maturity we express. In this chapter we will learn to evaluate who we are in terms of the functional gifts God has given us. These gifts serve as the foundation upon which our personalities are structured. They govern the basic ways in which we approach the world and those around us. They influence the style in which we communicate, the roles we choose to play socially, and the way we prioritize our values.

Familiarity with the different functional gifts (and the different ways they are expressed within the family) is the key to "loving our differences." Familiarity with our own particular functional gifts is the key to accepting and loving ourselves. Through such knowledge we can appreciate who we are as God's gift to us. We also can glorify God by becoming better stewards of the spiritual gifts he has given each of us.

The Nature of the Functional Gifts

To prepare for the study of the functional gifts, review the answers to these common questions about spiritual gifts.

What are spiritual gifts? There are three misunderstandings about spiritual gifts that should be clarified.

Spiritual gifts are not rewards. It is clear from Scripture that spiritual gifts are not rewards earned by good works. In 1 Corinthians 1:7 the Christians of the Corinthian church are said not to "lack any spiritual gift." Yet Paul goes on to state that they are "still worldly" and that their conduct and character leave much to be desired (1 Cor. 3:3-4). In New Testament Greek, spiritual gifts are called charismata or "grace gifts." Like salvation (Rom. 6:23; cf. 5:15), they are unmerited, free gifts distributed sovereignly by God "just as he determines" (1 Cor. 12:11).

Spiritual gifts should not be confused with spiritual fruit. The fruit of the Spirit are virtues or character qualities that believers manifest as they walk according to the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-18, 22-26). Spiritual gifts, on the other hand, are special abilities God gives to believers for service. Bezalel (Ex. 31:2-5), Othniel (Judg. 3:10), and Samson (Judg. 14:6) are Old Testament examples of people whom God temporarily gifted with specific abilities.

Gifts of the Spirit should not be confused with the gift of the Spirit. The presence of the indwelling Spirit of God is common to all believers (Acts 2:38-39; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 4:6). The gifts and abilities given by the Spirit differ from believer to believer "according to the grace given us" (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4, 5).

Who gives spiritual gifts? God is the source of all spiritual gifts (James 1:17). The giving of spiritual gifts is a process in which the entire Trinity cooperates: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men" (1 Cor. 12:4-5, 11; Eph. 4:4-6).

Who receives spiritual gifts? Every believer possesses spiritual gifts: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7). Every Christian is called by God for service in his kingdom and is therefore equipped by God for such service. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10; cf. Eph. 4:7-8). It is important to realize that because every believer is gifted by God with spiritual gifts, each of us is important and has the potential to contribute to others (1 Cor. 12:14-26).

Why do we receive spiritual gifts? We are given spiritual gifts "for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7). In the Bible, spiritual life is lived out in community: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Cor.12:27). Paul's great analogy of the church as a living body made up of many different parts underscores the interdependence of believers. God has ordained the diversity of spiritual gifts among believers, because a body must have diverse organs to function (1 Cor. 12:17-18). Our spiritual gifts are complementary, and we are to supply what our brothers and sisters lack.

The ultimate purpose of such enablements is "to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:12-13).

How many kinds of spiritual gifts are there? Different lists of spiritual gifts occur in the Bible. They are often grouped in the following way: Functional (or Motivational) gifts (Rom. 12:6-8); Manifestation (or Supernatural Power) gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10); and Ministry (or Christian Service) gifts (1 Cor. 12:27-30; Eph. 4:11-12). Many commentators consider these lists to be partial rather than complete.

Our focus will be upon the Functional (or Motivational) gifts found in Romans 12:6-8. These gifts describe the basic inner drives and abilities implanted in us by God to fulfill his purposes. The Functional gifts are prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, and mercy.

Note: At times Drs. Selig and Arroyo refer to the Functional gifts as motivational gifts. These should not be confused with the motivational levels.

What is the relationship between natural gifts and spiritual gifts? There are a variety of theological viewpoints about the nature and reception of spiritual gifts. These viewpoints will be discussed in the future Living By The Book course, "Great Themes Of The Book-Part 2:" Here we shall consider spiritual gifts as divine empowerments sovereignly bestowed upon those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

While it is inaccurate to think of a spiritual gift as merely a "souped-up" natural talent, we cannot discount any continuity between natural and spiritual gifts. God is equally our Creator and our Enabler. He is the Lord of our heredity and our environment. The psalmist says of God: "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" (Ps. 139:13-16). God is ultimately responsible for instilling our inner strengths and abilities (Jer. 1:5). In some cases, these abilities are empowered by the Holy Spirit in a new way when we are born again.

The apostle Peter, for example, appears to have had a natural gift for speaking boldly. Yet his passion and enthusiasm often led him to speak rashly, and for this he was rebuked by Jesus (Matt. 16:21-23; John 13:8). What a difference we find in his manner after receiving the Holy Spirit! His speeches at Pentecost (Acts 2), at the temple (Acts 3:11-26), and before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22) have Peter's natural fire, but they are seasoned with divine eloquence and wisdom as well.

Moses, on the other hand, had no natural eloquence (Ex. 4:10) and so had to receive it from God (Ex. 4:11-12, 15). The lives of these two Bible characters illustrate that God is able to activate in us the spiritual gifts we already have and to create in us those we do not.

What responsibilities come with spiritual gifts? "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2). Our spiritual gifts were given "to serve others" (1 Peter 4:10). It is a profound spiritual and psychological fact that any attempt to "bury" or misuse our gifts is self-destructive (Matt. 25:17-18, 24-27).

As we are rooted in Christ (John 15:5) and conformed to his image, it becomes possible to manifest all of the spiritual gifts Christ himself did (Matt. 7:11; John 20:21-22; Rom. 8:32). This means parents can ask for and receive the spiritual gifts needed to disciple their children (John 14:11-14).

Spiritual gifts are a family affair. That is why they play such an important part in our study of the family. The Pilgrims referred to the family as the "church-within-the-Church." Like the church, each family has the potential to manifest all of the spiritual gifts. In doing so, it "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Eph. 4:16).

Making It Work:

• Read Matthew 25:14-30, along with the commentary on these verses in the 113C, p.1148. According to this passage, what is the mark of the faithful use of a gift (v.16)? What does the "owner" say that his unfaithful steward should have done (v. 27)? What three rewards are given to the faithful stewards (vv. 21, 23, 29), and what three penalties does the unfaithful servant suffer (vv. 26, 28, 30)? 
• Read Romans 12:3-5 in which Paul discusses humility and unity in the body of Christ. Why is humility necessary for unity? Can you think of areas where the practice of humility could improve your relationship with your children? Your spouse?

Key Words: Appraisal Gifts, Martyr Complex

In this lesson we examine the qualities associated with three of the functional gifts: Giving, Prophecy, and Mercy. These qualities can be positive or negative, depending upon the level of motivation of the person expressing the gift. The higher the level of motivation, the more the gift will build up the family and complement the gifts of others.

Giving

"Freely you have received, freely give" (Matt. 10:8).Our authors call the gift of Giving a "spiritual temperature gauge," which shows how closely an individual is submitted to God (LOD, p. 26). Love is the ruling principle of all the gifts (1 Cor. 13) and the nature of the Giver himself (1 John 4:7-8). Therefore Giving, as an expression of love, is a functional gift all Christians possess to some degree (though some Christians may be specially gifted in this area).

Characteristics of Giving

Higher level (3-4) Qualities

Generous; gives to bless Stewardly; aware that God owns all Loving; gives of oneself Always "in season" Careful to give wisely Modest; gives discretely Lower Level (1-2) Qualities Manipulative; gives to receiveMaterialistic; selfishDistant; gives only material gifts

Selective with generosity

Undiscerning in giving

Showy; demands recognitionHigher level (3-4) Qualities - In a ChildPositiveSociableGenerousLower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a ChildFlightyRebelliousEasily taken advantage ofThe gift of Giving is also a key to opening ourselves to the reception of other spiritual gifts. As we grow in the area of giving, additional spiritual gifts will become manifest in our lives.

The Appraisal Gifts: Prophecy and Mercy

The functional gifts of Prophecy and Mercy are called appraisal gifts, because those having these gifts closely evaluate persons and circumstances around them. Prophets judge the behavior and the motivation of others using the standards God established in the Bible. Those with the gift of Mercy discern the emotional needs of others and respond to them with the healing love of God.

Prophecy

"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul" (Ps. 19:7).

Prophets focus upon issues of righteousness and justice. They are concerned with exposing sin and bringing truth to light. At their best, they eloquently and boldly proclaim the Word of God, reveal the secrets of the heart, and stir others to moral uprightness and repentance. Higher level prophets express the humility that comes from a deep realization of God's holiness.

Characteristics of Prophecy

Higher Level (3-4) Qualities Discerns sin in others Desires to speak the truth Concerned with biblical truth Bold, direct, and confrontational Repentant; judges self first to promote growth in others Lower Level (1-2) QualitiesOvercritical; legalisticDesires moral superiorityOpportunistic; concerned with empire-buildingSensitive; overbearing; hurtful; oppressiveArrogant; self-righteous; "above the law"Higher Level (3-4) Qualities - In a childActive Enjoys realistic play Verbal Lower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a ChildDifficult to controlSees things in black and whiteTactlessAt lower levels, prophets are arrogant, deceptive, and even dangerous. They concern themselves with what is right in their own eyes rather than with what is right in the eyes of God. Their delight in the law of God may become merely zealous legalism. Instead of inspiring people with a godly conviction, a lower level prophet may cause them to feel "mowed down."

Mercy

"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Mic. 6:8).

People with the gift of Mercy see with the eyes of the heart. They bring security, comfort, forgiveness, and reconciliation to those who are hurt or afraid. They know exactly where it hurts and how to bring encouragement, healing, and reassurance through the gentle and appropriate application of the love of God. At their best, they are capable of supernatural empathy and compassion.

At lower levels, they may become resentful and self-pitying. They may feel that the care and concern they extend to others is not being returned. If this happens, their great sensitivity may lead to overemotionalism or to a martyr complex.

Characteristics of Mercy Higher Level (3-4) QualitiesSensitive to the inner pain of othersKind; spontaneously tenderheartedProtective of the underdog or the abandonedReconciling; soothes disharmony between peopleLower Level (1-2) QualitiesOversensitive to their own pain or to imagined insultsWeak; undisciplined; slothfulOverprotective; manipulativeMeddlesome; intrusiveHigher Level (3-4) Qualities - In a ChildCares for stray animals and smaller children; tenderheartedGentle; meekShyLower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a ChildOversensitive; fearful; noncommunicativeCan be manipulated by peers Violent

Individuals with the gifts of Prophecy and Mercy approach situations from opposite perspectives. When family members with different appraisal gifts are at a low motivational level, dissension and conflict become inevitable.

We must understand that God designed the gifts of Prophecy and Mercy to be different because both are needed within the body of Christ (and within the family). Sometimes Mercy is more appropriate, while at other times Prophecy is more suitable. Those with the gift of Mercy, for example, are especially skillful in soothing the insecurity felt by those at Levels 1 and 2. The prophet's gifts are especially useful in helping Level 3 individuals assume moral responsibility for themselves as they make the transition to Level 4. Jesus himself exercised both prophecy and mercy in his encounter with the woman taken in adultery (John 8:7, 11).

Our love for others in Christ should prevent us from being overcritical (1 Peter 4:8). As our motivational level rises, we can accept the validity of the gifts of others and appreciate the way they complement our own. If we are to imitate Jesus, we must use our differing gifts at the highest level of motivation. Here the wisdom that accompanies the love of God rules our hearts and minds (Col. 3:15).

Making It Work:

• How does your perspective on Giving align with God's? Consider this question as you read the following Bible verses: Deuteronomy 16:16-17; Proverbs 28:27; Matthew 6:1-4; 22:21; 25:31-46; Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:67; 1 Timothy 5:8. How can you put your gift of Giving into practice at a higher motivational level in the coming week?
• Do you (or one of your children) have the gift of Prophecy? Of Mercy? List five ways you (or they) have manifested this gift.
• Can you think of a situation in which Mercy rather than Prophecy would be appropriate? Where Prophecy rather than Mercy would be appropriate? Where both would be appropriate?
• Look carefully at the list of Lower Level Qualities for the gift of Prophecy or Mercy. Do any of these attributes apply to you? Remember: "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions" (Gal. 6:3-4). Can you think of a time when you misused your gift? Why did this happen? How can you avoid doing so in the future?
• Does your gift of Prophecy (or Mercy) sometimes conflict with someone else's gift of Mercy (or Prophecy)? Prayerfully consider 1) whether the conflict has to do with the low motivational levels of one or both parties; and 2) in what kind of situation the conflict occurs. Which gift is most appropriate for the situation?
  • Pursue resolution of the conflict by raising your motivational level and seeking reconciliation with the other party where appropriate.
• Do you as a parent feel the need for the gift of Prophecy or Mercy? If so, pray for that gift. Have others, especially your spouse, join you.

Key Words: Analytical, Empathetic, Instructional Gifts

Teaching and Exhortation together make up the instructional gifts. Teaching and Exhortation are foundational gifts that every parent should strive to manifest, for they are the gifts most useful in discipling children.

Teaching

"Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it" (Prov. 16:22).

Individuals with the gift of Teaching possess a deep hunger for knowledge. They are analytical, and delight in collecting and integrating information. At higher levels, teachers have great spiritual insight and can understand the key principles of whatever subject they choose to investigate.

Characteristics of Teaching

Higher Level (3-4) QualitiesUnderstands and presents truth in a precise and systematic way Sees a relationship between facts and spiritual principles Patient; can evaluate the understanding of others Objective; sensitive to details and accuracy of information Lower Level (1-2) QualitiesUnderstanding clouded by egotism Sees knowledge as an end rather than as a means to an end Impatient; sarcastic; critical of the ideas of others Anxious and withdrawn if environment is unpredictable or facts are unclear Higher Level (3-4) Qualities - In a Child Curious; asks many questions Strongly individualistic Focused exclusively on the facts/truth Lower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a Child Will "shut down" unless given detailed information on tasks May lack social skills; a loner Feels as if ordinary rules don't apply to them

Higher level teachers can create understanding in those around them. They enjoy explaining new truths to others and seeing their eyes light up with discovery. Because of their innate patience and objectivity, those with the gift of Teaching are best suited to disciple those at motivational Levels 1 and 2. They can design tasks that match the learning needs of others. Their systematic attention to detail enables them to present information clearly and meaningfully.

At lower motivational levels, teachers are disorganized, impatient, and proud. They become easily exasperated, sarcastic, and vocally critical of the ideas of others. They develop an inflated sense of their own knowledge, and may assemble a clique of followers. Instead of pursuing depth and relevance in their research, they are content merely to amass information. Rather than rooting their understanding in spiritual principles, they may choose to make practical gain or expediency their goal.

Exhortation

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word" (2 Thess. 2:16-17).

Exhorters can visualize goals and motivate others to work toward them. Their initiative, enthusiasm, and confidence are contagious. They can erase the rigidity and self-consciousness of Level 3 people and get them to work together in a harmonious and unified group. Higher level exhorters can sense the special abilities possessed by others, challenge them to develop these abilities, and rejoice with them as they grow.

Exhorters are faith-builders. Their positive, empathetic style encourages people to want the best from themselves and believe the best of others. While teachers are especially gifted to work with those on Levels 1 and 2, exhorters are well-suited to help others make the difficult transition from Level 3 to Level 4. They model the attitudes and behavior necessary to develop emotional and spiritual maturity on a practical level. Exhorters teach us to actualize abstract spiritual principles in day-to-day living.

At lower levels, exhorters focus on themselves rather than God. As a result, their advice becomes superficial and worldly, and their encouragement becomes mechanical and ineffectual. They focus on the quantity rather than the quality of their interactions with others.

Characteristics of Exhortation

Higher Level (3-4) QualitiesDiscerns emotional and spiritual maturity of others; gives practical advice to achieve growth Persuasive; application-minded; adept at illustration Understands suffering as part of maturation process Ability to work with all kinds of people to promote unity Lower Level (1-2) QualitiesShallow; oversimplified solutions to complex problems; "Atta-boy" encouragement Overconfident; out-of-touch; uninspired Concentrates on a "feel-good" solution to problems Gravitates toward those who reinforce their opinionsHigher Level (3-4) Qualities - In a ChildFun-loving; communicative; social Bonds family together; encourages in time of needSimplifies work projectsLower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a ChildMay tease unmercifully Self-promoting Overlooks detailsThe gifts of Teaching and Exhortation are complementary (see LOD, p. 33). They enrich and expand each other.

Making It Work:

• Acts 11:19-30 shows the mutual relationship of the gifts of Teaching and Exhortation. Read how Barnabas (nicknamed "Encourager") influenced Paul's ministry.
• Refer to the Making It Work section regarding the gifts of Mercy and Prophecy. Ask yourself these same questions, substituting the gifts of Teaching and Exhortation.

Key Words: Results Gifts

Leadership and Service comprise the results gifts. People with these gifts have a special gift for getting things done. As with the appraisal gifts and the instructional gifts, the two results gifts complement each other, a fact most clearly seen in Jesus' use of these gifts (Matt. 14:15-21; Mark 5:41-43). He accepted the title of "Master" and "Lord" from his disciples. Yet, he washed their feet and taught them: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" (John 13:13-14). The "author of life" (Acts 3:15) "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28).

Leadership

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov. 29:18 KJV).

Most of us can easily find a thousand reasons why something cannot be accomplished. The person with the gift of Leadership sees what can be done and then brings it to pass. Once leaders set themselves a goal, they pursue it with determination that is oblivious to adverse circumstances, complaints, and setbacks.

Leaders are self-starters who take responsibility, organize carefully, and solve problems confidently. They enjoy a challenge and are excellent coordinators. Higher level leaders know how to recognize leadership potential in others and willingly delegate authority. They are loyal to their followers and treat them as individuals, not as mere cogs in a machine.

Lower level leaders are overprotective of their authority. They discourage autonomy and initiative in their followers and employees. They become overly proud of their accomplishments and overprotective of their authority. Questions directed to them are interpreted as criticism. Followers or employees are belittled and mistrusted, and become alienated. a result, such leaders lose the ability to inspire and unify those around them.

Characteristics of Leadership

Higher Level (3-4) QualitiesVisionary who can see the future and creatively bring that vision to passSelf-motivator; inspires confidence and trust in othersSteady; perseveres in the face of criticism and calamity; loyal to employeesUses resources wisely; organizes and delegates responsibility to othersLower Level (1-2) QualitiesWithout vision; an insecure speculatorOpportunistic; looks for the "fast buck"; unscrupulous and untrustworthyUnstable, loss of nerve; bent on achieving personal rather than corporate goalsEgotistical; critical; jealous of power Higher Level (3-4) Qualities - In a childPopular; socially adept with both children and adults Has varied interests and activitiesWell-organized; systematic; ambitiousLower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a ChildMay become social gadfly Lacks caution at times May become oblivious to the needs of others

Service

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matt. 20:26).

While the leader sees goals in terms of broad visions, the server is acutely aware of day-to-day practical needs. A server takes great joy in caring for others in a " hands-on" way. They are always willing to volunteer their time and energy to help. Such people are a joy to have around. Their flexibility and sensitivity are great expressions of Christian love.

The Greek word from which we get the term "deacon" means "server." Deacons played a crucial role in the early church. This illustrates the vital need for servers today in the body of Christ, in the family, and in the world at large.

Most of us willingly relegate unwanted tasks to servers. Often this results in the server being taken for granted. Servers may go without recognition until they become exhausted, alienated, and resentful. Then they may refuse to serve. In denying their own gift, however, they become restless and unhappy. Those who are blessed by the efforts of servers must recognize and praise such efforts. And servers should work "as unto the Lord" to avoid resentment if their efforts go unrecognized.

Characteristics of ServiceHigher Level (3-4) Qualities Detects and meets the practical needs of others Exhibits stamina and perseverance in completing tasks Lets others have preeminence and take credit in projects Desires to serve; enjoys servingLower Level (1-2) QualitiesDifficulty saying "no"; may neglect self or familyCommits without following throughOversensitive and withdrawn if not given proper recognition; may backbite if resentfulReluctant to serve; serves grudginglyHigher Level (3-4) Qualities - In a ChildEager to help around the house or classroomLikes to work with hands Likes to surprise others with gifts of serviceLower Level (1-2) Qualities - In a ChildFeels manipulated and becomes withdrawn if not shown appreciationOverwhelmed by complicated tasksStubborn; reluctant to take directions

Leadership and Service are the most compatible of the functional spiritual gifts. Still, there are important differences between these gifts. Leaders direct while servers carry out directions (although servers are happiest when they can detect needs on their own and meet them in their own way). Leaders are abstract visionaries, while servers are focused practically on the here--and-now. Leaders think in terms of long-term projects, while servers think in terms of short-term projects. Because Christ himself incorporates so perfectly the qualities both of leader and servant (Matt. 20:26-28), mature Christians should strive to exercise both of these gifts.

The organization (family or church) blessed with both high level leaders and servers will truly thrive. Indeed, God has engineered human nature this way for our collective prosperity. If we practice unity in the Spirit, preferring one another in love, we will discover that God provides a blend of gifts and talents sufficient for our needs.

Making It Work:

• Note the attitudes toward leadership expressed in these verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17-20; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Peter 5:1-4.
• Refer to the Making It Work section regarding the gifts of Mercy and Prophesy. Ask yourself these same questions substituting the gifts of Leadership and Service.