Ever felt like a "nobody"? Like you’re just kind of drifting through life without any real talents? Honestly, it’s a heavy feeling. We look at people who can sing like angels or lead thousands of people, and we think, "Well, I guess I missed out when the 'gifts' were being handed out."
It’s a total lie.
Back in October 1987, a man named Marvin J. Ashton stood up at a global conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and dropped a truth bomb that changed how millions of people see themselves. He called it "There Are Many Gifts." It wasn't just a feel-good speech. It was a complete redefinition of what it means to be spiritually "gifted."
Most of us think of spiritual gifts as these loud, flashy things—like prophecy or healing or speaking in tongues. But Ashton argued that some of the most powerful gifts are actually the ones nobody notices. He called them "less-conspicuous gifts."
Why Marvin J Ashton Gifts of the Spirit Change the Way You See Yourself
If you’ve ever judged yourself by your GPA, your bank account, or how many followers you have, you’re playing a losing game. Ashton basically said that judging ourselves by these external yardsticks is not only unfair—it’s unreasonable.
He didn't want us to just survive; he wanted us to recognize the divine tools we already have.
Think about the "gift of asking." Sounds simple, right? But think of the humility it takes to truly ask for help or for knowledge without being prideful. Or the "gift of listening." In a world where everyone is just waiting for their turn to talk, someone who truly listens is like a breath of fresh air.
These aren't just "nice personality traits." They are actual manifestations of the Spirit.
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The Deep List of Quiet Gifts
Ashton didn't just speak in generalities. He gave specific examples that hit home for anyone who feels "ordinary." He talked about things like:
- The gift of avoiding contention. You know that person who just refuses to take the bait when an argument starts? That’s a spiritual gift.
- The gift of being agreeable. This isn't about being a doormat. It’s about having a spirit that makes others feel at ease.
- The gift of seeking that which is righteous. Just having the desire to do good is a gift in itself.
- The gift of not passing judgment. This is huge. Being the safe person who doesn't look down on others is rare.
He also mentioned the "gift of being able to weep." That one usually stops people in their tracks. We’re taught to be "tough," but Ashton saw the ability to feel deeply for others as a divine capacity. It’s empathy on a spiritual level.
Pondering: The Link Between Heart and Mind
One of the big ones he focused on was the gift to ponder.
The word "ponder" shows up all over the Book of Mormon, but we usually just skim over it. Ashton defined it as weighing things mentally, meditating, and deliberating. It’s basically the opposite of doom-scrolling.
When you ponder, you give the Spirit space to actually talk to you. You aren't just reading words; you’re letting those truths sink into your daily actions.
He also highlighted the gift to look to God for direction.
We’ve all had those moments where we just don’t know where to turn. Ashton’s point was that looking to God isn't a "last resort." It’s a specific spiritual gift we can develop. Instead of looking for weaknesses in the people around us, we use this gift to look for the light.
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It makes God feel more approachable. It removes the feeling of being "compelled" to be good and turns it into a natural desire.
Dealing with "The Great Tragedy"
The real tragedy, according to Ashton, is when we decide we have no worth.
He was really firm on this. For us to say "I have no talents" is basically a slap in the face to the Creator. Everyone has something. Maybe your gift is just being a steady, reliable friend. Maybe it’s the way you care for your kids.
He quoted George Q. Cannon, an earlier church leader, who said that if we feel we are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gifts that will correct those imperfections.
Have a short temper? Pray for the gift of charity.
Feel envious? Pray for the gift of being happy for others.
The idea is that our "nature" isn't fixed. We aren't stuck with our flaws. Spiritual gifts are the tools God gives us to literally change our DNA—spiritually speaking.
The Difference Between Talents and Spiritual Gifts
It’s easy to get these mixed up. A talent might be being good at math or being able to hit a baseball. A spiritual gift is deeper. It’s an ability given through the Holy Ghost to bless other people.
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If you have the gift of listening, you don’t just "hear" words. You hear the pain or the hope behind them. You use that to lift someone up.
Marvin J. Ashton gifts of the spirit remind us that the "best" gifts aren't always the loudest ones. In fact, the quiet ones are often the ones that save lives.
Someone who has the gift of "hearing and using a still, small voice" might be prompted to call a friend at exactly the right moment. That’s not luck. That’s a gift.
How to Find Your Own Gift
If you're sitting there thinking, "Okay, this sounds great, but I still don't know what mine is," Ashton had some advice for that too.
- Stop the unfair comparisons. Don't compare your "behind-the-scenes" footage with everyone else's highlight reel.
- Ask. It sounds simple, but how often do we actually pray specifically to recognize our gifts?
- Look for the "less-conspicuous" stuff. Are you good at avoiding vain repetitions? Are you naturally agreeable? Do you have the gift of offering a sincere prayer?
- Work for it. Ashton noted that some things, like peace, are earned through righteousness. You don't just wake up with it; you cultivate it.
Actionable Steps to Developing Your Gifts
Stop waiting for a "burning bush" moment to tell you you're special.
Identify one "quiet" gift from Ashton's list that you think you might have. Maybe it’s the gift of being able to calm others. Spend the next week intentionally using it. When someone is stressed at work, be the person who brings the temperature down.
Pray for a gift you lack. If you’re prone to contention, specifically ask for the "gift of avoiding contention." Be honest about it. Tell God, "I’m struggling with this, and I need this spiritual tool to get better."
Practice the gift of pondering. Take 10 minutes tonight—no phone, no music—and just think about a truth you've heard recently. Ask yourself how it applies to your life tomorrow morning.
Marvin J. Ashton's message was basically a permission slip to stop being so hard on yourself. You are equipped with more than you realize. Those small, "ordinary" things you do to help others? Those are your gifts. Own them.