It is important that you discover and develop the spiritual gifts that God has bestowed on you. These gifts are desirable for three basic reasons:
1. You Will Be Satisfied. Knowing and using your gifts will give you an understanding of the unique and indispensable ministry you have been called to accomplish in the body of Christ. You will discover a significant part of your purpose for being on this planet and realize that God has made you competent to produce something that will last for eternity. You will have a sense of fulfillment and joy in the service of others as you become an available instrument through whom the Holy Spirit can work.
In addition, a knowledge of your spiritual gifts will greatly assist you in discerning and affirming the will of God at various points in your life. God will not call you to accomplish anything without giving you the power and enabling to do it. You will be able to make more intelligent decisions about possible involvement in specific opportunities and training in light of your God-given function in the body (Romans 12:4). You will also use your time more effectively by focusing on the things you have been equipped to do well rather than expending your energy in areas of minimum potential.
2. Others Will Be Edified. Remember that the primary purpose of spiritual gifts is ecclesiastical—they are given to build up and purify the church as the body and bride of Christ. Knowing and using your gifts will contribute to the edification of other members of the body. As you exercise your spiritual gifts, you will play a substantial role in serving other people and leading them into maturity (Ephesians 4:12-16). If you fail to develop your gifts or let them decline through disuse, your brothers and sisters in Christ will actually be hurt because they will be deprived of the unique ministry that only you could perform in their lives.
3. God Will Be Glorified. According to 1 Peter 4:10-11, your spiritual gifts are ultimately designed to bring glory to God. This is your highest calling, and it relates to all three Persons of the Godhead. As you use your spiritual gifts in conjunction with the power and fruit (especially love) of the Holy Spirit and in the name and Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Father receives the glory.
Taken from Ken Boa's Handbook to Spiritual Growth.
