| THE GIFT OF SERVING Definition: the gift designed to meet the practical needs of others. Character who illustrates this gift: Timothy. Scriptural guidelines for servants: Rom. 12:10;-Gal. 5:13; Matt. 25:40; Col. 3:23-24. Characteristics: 1. Alert to the needs of others. (See Philippians 2:20) 2. Always willing to do more than is necessary. 3. Does not like being in positions of authority where tasks must be delegated. 4. Cannot say "no" to anyone or anything. 5. Needs to be appreciated but does not want publicity. 6 Avoids red tape and moves quickly. 7. Has much physical stamina or will disregard own weariness. 8. May use personal funds to get a job done. 9. Enjoys manual jobs, projects, and functions. 10. Keeps everything in order. 11. Enjoys showing hospitality. 12. Is a detail person with a good memory. 13 Will stay with something until it is completed. 14. Enjoys working on short-range projects rather than long-range goals. 15. Shows love through deeds and actions more than through words. 16. Tends to be a perfectionist. 17. Views serving to be a primary importance in life because it frees others up to achieve. 18. Gladly supports others who are in leadership. 19. Is more interested in meeting the needs of others than in meeting his own needs. 20. Feels greatest joy in doing something that is helpful. Typical problem areas of the gift of serving: I. Is critical of others who do not help out with obvious needs. 2. May appear pushy due to eagerness to help. 3. May neglect own family's needs by being too busy helping others. 4. Finds it hard to accept being served by others. 5. Is easily hurt when unappreciated. 6. Motives may be questioned by others. 7. May exclude others from the joy of serving. 8 May run ahead of God in serving. 9 Is easily taken advantage of due to inability to say " no." 10. May burn out due to working beyond physical limitations. Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Administration Mercy |