Teach Kids About Spiritual Gifts Have you ever daydreamed about being exceptionally talented at something, like singing or sprinting, but you know you just weren’t given the gift or proper training to get good at it? Chances are your kids imagine being exceptional too, which makes them wonder how they measure up to their peers. Children begin comparing themselves to one another at a very early age. It’s not uncommon for them to be jealous of the best soccer player on their team or the best painter in their class. The world places a lot of importance on outward things. Tic-Tock, YouTube, and other social media outlets show kids that the way to attention and praise is through finding an outward action and putting it on display for everyone. But God doesn’t view people the way the world does. While the world cares about physical gifts, which are temporary, the Lord calls Christians to care about a completely different set of gifts that are not as easily apparent. However, these gifts make a monumental impact in the heavenly realm that will last for eternity. These are called SPIRITUAL gifts. A spiritual gift is an extraordinary power given by the Holy Spirit to all Christians. It’s a supernatural grace which helps believers fulfill their calling as Christians and further the Kingdom of Heaven. Spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. Some of these gifts include evangelism, teaching, serving, giving, encouraging, mercy, words of wisdom and knowledge. Every time we read a list of spiritual gifts, it’s somewhat different from another list Paul or Peter mention elsewhere in scripture. This means that their lists are NOT meant to be exhaustive. So, it’s possible that there are other supernatural gifts that the Bible mentions indirectly, like fellowship, hospitality, and composing spiritual music. In fact, some theologians believe there are as many spiritual gifts as there are needs in the church.  When we spot a spiritual gift in a kid, we should bring it to their attention and tell them that it is a gift from God. Then, explain how their gift could be used for the Lord’s Kingdom. If a child is having trouble figuring out what their spiritual gift is, it’s important that you teach the child to pray to God, asking Him to make this revelation known. Often, their gift or set of gifts will show them what God’s purpose is for their lives.  It’s also important to let your child know that God will use them in mighty ways when they use their gift for Him. Why? Because their spiritual gift will probably seem inconsequential when they’re comparing it to physical gifts. Tell them that their classmates and friends may care more about these temporary gifts, but God cares about what matters for eternity. When they use their spiritual gift for the Lord, they might not get applause or awards, but they’ll receive the peace and joy that comes from honoring God. Since every believer is given spiritual gifts when they receive the gift of salvation, they should realize they did nothing to earn their gifts. So, we shouldn’t boast about our gifts, nor should we feel jealous when someone else has gifts that we don’t possess. Here, Paul uses the imagery of a body. While some body parts are much larger than others, every part is still important and useful in the body of Christ. The hand shouldn’t boast to the toe about its role, and neither should the hand be jealous of the eye or mouth. I’m sure you’ve noticed how much your child is already comparing themselves to others. Instead of simply focusing on the physical gifts of your child, why don’t you help them cultivate their spiritual gifts, so God can use them to make an eternal impact for his Kingdom? Discovering these gifts together will deepen your relationship, and also help your child to recognize he or she is enough, just the way God made them. Spiritual Gifts 1 Tic-Tock, YouTube, and other social media outlets show kids that the way to attention and praise is through finding an outward action and putting it on display for everyone. All the likes and comments are gratifying and addictive. The world places importance on outward things, like how well people perform and how nice they look or dress. But God doesn’t view people the way the world does. He looks inward and He wants his children to use their spiritual gifts. So, instead of simply focusing on your child’s physical gifts, cultivate their spiritual gifts, so God can use them to make an eternal impact. Read the full article on Spiritual Gifts at cefonline.com. Spiritual Gifts 2 Do you know your child’s spiritual gift? A spiritual gift is an extraordinary power given by the Holy Spirit to all Christians. It’s a supernatural grace which helps believers fulfill their calling as Christians and further God’s Kingdom. Every believer receives a gift once they’ve received Jesus Christ into their heart. Some of these gifts include evangelism, teaching, serving, giving, encouraging, mercy, and words of wisdom and knowledge. When we spot a spiritual gift in a child, we should bring it to his attention and tell him that it is a gift from God. Then, explain how his gift could be used for the Lord’s Kingdom. Read the full article on Spiritual Gifts at cefonline.com. Spiritual Gifts 3 All children struggle with comparison, wanting to be the best at something or have the best something. Kids start comparing themselves at an early age. It’s not uncommon for them to be jealous of the best artist in their class or the friend who has the coolest new gadget. While the world cares about physical gifts, which are temporary, the Lord calls Christians to care about a completely different set of gifts that are not as obvious. These are called SPIRITUAL gifts, and we should teach children to see them in other people as well as themselves. These gifts make an impact that will last for eternity. Read the full article on Spiritual Gifts at cefonline.com. Spiritual Gifts 4 Do your kids know their spiritual gifts? Take time to pray with them for God to reveal the spiritual gifts he’s given them. Often, their gift will show what God’s purpose is for their lives. They may think their spiritual gift seems inconsequential, especially when compared to physical gifts. Although their classmates and friends may care more about physical gifts, God cares about what matters for eternity. Let kids know God will use them in mighty ways when they use their gift for Him. They might not get applause or awards, but they’ll receive the peace and joy that comes from honoring God. You can read the full article on Spiritual Gifts at cefonline.com. Spiritual Gifts 5 I’m sure you’ve noticed how much your kids are comparing themselves to others, and it hurts your heart. There is a popular phrase that says, “I am enough.” This phrase can be taken or used the wrong way or the right way. I am enough, can put the emphasis on me being special, and maybe I don’t need improvement. However, WITH GOD I am enough, especially because as His child, He gives me spiritual gifts that may not be obvious. Teach kids to perceive what is most important, and to enjoy the practice of spiritual gifts that build up others and the kingdom of God. Read the full article about kids and Spiritual Gifts at cefonline.com.