Here are a few verses to get you thinking about what you need to reinforce (Paul's basic description of a spiritual gift can be found in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11):

• Each believer is given at least one gift.

       (1 Corinthians 12:7)

• The Holy Spirit determines who receives which gifts.

       (1 Corinthians 12:11)

• Each gift is equally valuable. (1 Corinthians 12:21-26)

• We are to use our gifts to serve others for the benefit of the body. (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:12)

• We are commanded to use our gifts. (1 Peter 4:10)

• Exercising our gifts will help us develop spiritual maturity. (Ephesians 4:13)

God will reveal our gifts through His Holy Spirit. Believers should pray and study what God says about gifts in His Word. We should also remember God uses other believers to affirm our gifts. Sometimes God may also use spiritual gift assessment tools to reveal His gifts.

Upon uncovering one's gifts, the next crucial step is to take action on that discovery. Let's consider a powerful example of how to align our interests and talents with opportunities in jail ministry.

Your spiritual journey as a follower of Christ began when you acknowledged your personal sin and put your trust in Christ as your Savior and Lord. From that moment until death or the return of Christ, your life's purpose is to become more like Christ.

God expects His children to grow spiritually, and His Word encourages personal reflection as a part of this growth. This assessment will help you carefully consider your spiritual progress in relation to six specific spiritual disciplines: abiding in Christ, living by the Word, praying in faith, fellowshipping with believers, sharing your faith with the world, and serving others.