Naturally gifted (by Gordon and Rosemary Jones)

(Amazon UK link)

I don’t remember how or when we acquired the book ‘Naturally gifted’. But I vaguely recall that the authors, Gordon and Rosemary Jones, were giving a seminar somewhere and sold their books afterwards. I don’t know if I was there, or if it was my husband or even someone else. What I do know is that their book has been in one of our bookcases for a long time, and I haven’t read it for at least twenty years, possibly longer.

The byline or subtitle on the front says that the book is ‘a Christian perspective on personality, gifts and abilities’. That’s essentially what the book is about, summing up various ways of looking at gifts, temperament, abilities and more, from the point of view of the body of Christ. 

The first chapter talks about the importance of recognising our individuality. It examines, briefly, a few people from the Bible, some of whom were very dubious about their abilities. It also gives some brief anecdotes, describing people who feel lost, or without talent; it also mentions people who are in careers or ministries where they feel constantly stressed, or struggling in some way. 

The chapter also looks at the connection between God’s gifts and his grace, and invites the readers to consider whether their natural gifts are being used, and where the boundary - if any - is between natural gifts and ‘spiritual’ ones. 

It’s a good introduction, although nothing new to me. But I expect that, twenty or thirty years ago, this would have been very interesting and perhaps inspiring too. Subsequent chapters go on to look at different aspects of who we are. Some of them have ‘tests’ - not the kind of tests with correct answers, but ones inviting readers to explore who they are, how they function, and how well their lives match up with their talents, inclinations and ethical foundations.

I did, at first, try answering some of the questions. I find this kind of thing quite enjoyable, although it’s been a while since I’ve learned anything new from any questionnaires of this nature. The first test is about natural aptitudes, but I am already aware of what I do well, and what I don’t do well. I may sometimes downplay what I can do, not wishing to boast, but I didn’t find out anything new. And since the ‘scoring’ system turned out to be quite complex, I didn’t finish.

The fifth chapter then looks at values. That required photocopying or scanning some pages of the book, then printing them out and cutting them up, and sorting in various ways. I decided against it; I know what my values are already. So I mostly skimmed that chapter. 

The next one is about the Myers-Briggs personality system, and temperament theory. I’m very familiar with both, and also aware that quick questionnaires, in books or online, can often be incorrect. So I totally skimmed that chapter. I’m certain of my temperament (NF) and type (INFJ) and have read books which go into considerably more depth than this one. 

I didn’t do any of the subsequent questionnaires or tests, either; by this point I had realised that the book is quite basic, intended for younger people embarking on careers, or considering work in the local church or overseas. As such, it would be an excellent starting point to ask some pertinent questions. God gives us gifts, ethics, temperaments and so on, and it’s important to live and work within what we’ve been given, rather than trying to be someone we are not. 

The final chapter sums up the rest of the book, encouraging readers to put in practice what they have discovered. It challenges each of us to find out what God wants of us, probably in the place where we are already. It acknowledges that there may well be times when we’re not using our gifts and abilities to the full, eg if someone is the main earner of a household and cannot change job. But it also suggests ways that people can perhaps find greater fulfilment. Just being aware of what is causing stress can sometimes begin to ease it.

‘Naturally gifted’ was published in 1991, before there was such a proliferation of information online; as such it may appear dated, although the tests and descriptions are as relevant now as they were then. It’s a good book to offer a young Christian who may be considering future options, or who wonders why they’re not feeling settled. But it’s not so relevant to those of us who are already fairly knowledgeable about temperament and other features of this book. 

Still well written, however, and a thorough summary of topics that may need to be explored further. Long out of print, but sometimes available second-hand. 

Review copyright 2026 Sue's Book Reviews