We use this diagram when teaching about motivational gifts.
Notice that all gifts are equal, both in the sight of God and in their contributions to the collective functioning of the family and of the Body of Christ. No gift is higher than or better than another gift. If one gift is not in operation there is a lack, a void.
Each child receives God’s best gift(s) for the working out of His plans and purposes in that child’s life, and for the benefit of other lives he will touch. It is a parent’s privilege and responsibility to help each child develop in his giftedness!
This can be summed up in the oft-quoted slogan:
- What you are is God’s gift to you;
- What you make of your life is your gift to God.
People often ask us if the parents’ giftedness determines their offspring’s motivational gifts. Our answer is no. Two parents with the gift of compassion are just as likely to produce a server or an exhorter as a child with the gift of compassion. In a large family almost every gift may be represented. God seems to bestow some gifts more frequently than others. That’s because more people are needed in certain functions. We have compiled data showing the percentages of people who have each gift:
The most prevalent gift is compassion, perhaps because we desperately need love and compassion in the world.
Servers and exhorters almost tie for second place. Servers get the work done and exhorters offer encouragement to keep us all going.
Administrators and perceivers nearly tie for third place. Givers and teachers tie for fourth.
But the prevalence of a certain gift does not invest it with more importance. Neither does its rarity make it more special. All the gifts are equally important, and should be so treated within the family circle. All the gifts are necessary. All the gifts, when used properly, are blessings.
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