Everything has a purpose. God created water, Oak trees, Japanese hornets, Roma tomatoes, and even cats for a purpose. One of the deepest longing of the human heart is to discover and fulfill this purpose. Without an understanding and use of spiritual gifts, a follower in Christ will wander aimlessly through the Christian life.
In Jesus’ presentation of His expectations for believers, He explains that the chief purpose of man is to glorify the Lord. Jesus explains that believers glorify God through their works. He said, “Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, HCSB) Paul also commands the Corinthian Christians, “Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body.”( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, HCSB) The Westminster Shorter Catechism states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The Apostle Peter links the use of spiritual gifts to glorifying God. He explains, “Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, [his speech should be] like the oracles of God; if anyone serves, [his service should be] from the strength God provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:10-11a, HCSB) The glorification of God is a spiritual act of worship. This is the purpose of spiritual gifts.
In 1 Corinthians 12 and in Romans 12, the Apostle Paul reveals the gifts of the Spirit. Yet, these gifts are not to be used at the believer’s discretion. As Oswald Chambers notes, “We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God. However, you cannot dedicate what is not yours. There is actually only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is the right to yourself. If you will give God your right to yourself, He will make a holy experiment out of you- and his experiments always succeed.”( My Utmost for His Highest)
A believer who has understood and embraced his status as a “living sacrifice” (see Romans 12:1-2) will know and strive to follow the will of God. He will find that his efforts are best administered within the local church, of which each believer is a part of the Body of Christ. He will work together with others to accomplish the task of ministry, as the Holy Spirit gives guidance and empowerment. The Holy Spirit gives grace-gifts for the purpose of ministering. When believers submit to God and use the gifts He has given for His purpose, He will receive glory, which must be the ultimate goal for every activity of the Church and every believer.
Shepherding Well 