Discerning Gifts by Craig Ruhl

When I was in high school, one of my complaints was–what in the world would I ever do with much of the education I was receiving? Seriously, I had no intention of ever being a chemist, poet, economist, or world history professor. I certainly would not need to speak and write in fluent French. But, to pass grade levels, graduate, and then attend college, the education system deemed these classes necessary. I just wanted to gain a liberal arts education and get on with life. My parents, particularly my dad, saw things differently. I would be the third generation of engineers, come hell, high water, and regardless of my aptitude and attitude on the matter.

I did graduate high school and studied engineering in college. An average grade point and being a fairly talented football player helped. After two years at college, my grades and student behavior caught up with me. The dean of men and I had a heart-to-heart talk, and shortly thereafter, I enlisted in the Navy. My rebellion against being told what to study and how I was to make a life for myself, post formal education, caught up with me. I was literally adrift—a young man, a high school graduate, with two years of college, and not a plan for my future.

It was during my time at sea that I gained some clarity on the direction I wanted my life to follow. I started to seriously consider what God had in store for me, and I sought His guidance in the matter. For me, wisdom and discernment didn’t come easy, mostly because I was not very good at listening for His voice. Even with sufficient time and an often-serene environment, my focus just wasn’t where it needed to be—on God’s voice. During this time, along with two shipmates, I started reading the Bible, seeking guidance. In our studies, the subject of spiritual gifts came up. Our discussion led us to think back to when we were young. What was there about us that was unique? In what aspects of our lives were we most comfortable? This introspection unearthed a different way of looking at myself. I wondered, could this be the way God sees me? I wanted to know more.

On a sheet of paper, in one column, I started listing what I perceived as my skills. In another space, I wrote out my interests—those things that really turned me on and brought me the most satisfaction. In a third area, I tried to look at myself as God would and marked down what I felt he was telling me were the gifts he had granted me. Contemplating the completed chart, I determined what I considered the major gifts God granted me. It was a revealing process, one I repeated frequently over a period of almost two years. Unfortunately, I lost those papers, journals, and study notes in a home fire a few years later. I would love to review them now—almost fifty years later. But, today, my memory will have to suffice.

I found it interesting the connection between the class subjects I had studied in school had limited correlation with what I wrote on that piece of paper, with just a few exceptions—reading, writing, and social studies. I actively used these in pursuit of what I most enjoyed doing. Please don’t misunderstand, throughout my lifetime, my knowledge of many other subjects enabled me to have fruitful employment, manage a household, and generally be a productive and responsible citizen. I am thankful for a well-rounded education, but I realize those few areas where my strength and passion lie. It is exhilarating to glimpse what God intended for you, and yet it is so difficult to stay centered and avoid being drawn off course.

After working for many years in a variety of positions in several industries, using the gifts granted me from God, I can now concentrate on continuing using those gifts and the talents gained during my lifetime to fulfill the mission I feel God has set me on. Karen and I publish Faith On Every Corner Magazine. I edit and write content for the magazine, edit and proofread manuscripts for authors, and write reviews of the many books I read each month. The gift of encouragement is especially clear in what I do–inspiring and helping other writers and readers to use their gifts and talents.

I recently found an old tri-fold paper report card from when I was in first grade. The school was Belinder Elementary School in Prairie Village, Kansas. My teacher was Mrs. Lilly. The completed report card for the 1953-1954 year shows C to B grades and Satisfactory Work Habits, and Personal and Social Development. Mrs. Lilly hand-entered each grade and check mark with a fountain pen in blue/ black ink. My mom signed an acknowledgment for each quarter.

What immediately caught my attention was the introduction on the report card titled Our Philosophy:

Our philosophy of education emphasizes a clear understanding of the interests, characteristics, abilities, and needs of the individual, the way he learns and the kind of society in which he lives. The function of the school is to encourage and assist each child in developing his individual talents. The school should provide opportunities for each child to grow in social usefulness to the end that he will become a responsible participating member of the society in which he lives. The child moves toward this goal by living through experiences which provide for growth in:

• Proficiency in the use of tools and resources of learning.

• Ability to do critical thinking.

• Responsibility as a member of a democratic society.

• Appreciation for aesthetic contribution toward the enrichment of life.

• Sensitivity to ethical and spiritual values.

• An understanding of the community in which he lives.

That is a pretty good place to start formal education. Coupled with the firm foundation of biblical teaching, I later in life discerned my gifts from God and developed the talents that have served me well, and others, over my lifetime.

“For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.” (1Corinthians 7:7 NKJV)

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8 NKJV)

Note: Background photo is Craig's First Grade class from 1953-54. Craig is on the far right.

Craig Ruhl

Craig Ruhl is the Managing Editor of Faith On Every Corner, he is also a writer and handles the business side of Faith On Every Corner, LLC.