"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but the same God, who works all things in all people." - 1 Cor 12:4-6
Gifts, Ministries, Activities. In three verses, we see here the triune God in operation in the church! We have three aspects aligned with the three Persons of the ever-existing and everlasting God who was, is and is to come.
The Greek words used for them are Charismaton ( gifts ), Diakonion ( ministries or services ), Energematon ( activities or work ). All three are unified by the same word, Diairesis ( Variety! ). A way to begin to understand them is to think of them in terms of familiar derived words in English - Charismatic, Deacon ( or waiter/servant ), and Energy ( from the Greek root word for work , Erg - which by the way is the unit of measure by which scientists actually measure the amount and capability to do work).

All work, and indeed the capability to work, has its source from and in God, who works His works, through His power, both sovereignly ( e.g. Creation, Redemption, Sanctification, Glorification ) and through His people and agents according to His good will and pleasure for His glory. He prepares even our good works beforehand, that we might walk in them (Eph 2:10 ).
Going deeper into the definitions... we see the mystery and character of God revealed.

First of all, GRACE and SALVATION.

χάρις [charis /khar·ece/] AV translates as "grace" 130 times, "favour" six times, "thanks" four times, "thank" four times, "thank + 2192" three times, "pleasure" twice, and translated miscellaneously seven times. 1 grace. 1a that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech. 2 good will, loving-kindness, favour. 2a of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues. 3 what is due to grace. 3a the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace. 3b the token or proof of grace, benefit. 3b1 a gift of grace. 3b2 benefit, bounty. 4 thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward.
χάρισμα [charisma /khar·is·mah/] AV translates as "gift" 15 times, and "free gift" twice. 1 a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own. 2 the gift of divine grace. 3 the gift of faith, knowledge, holiness, virtue. 4 the economy of divine grace, by which the pardon of sin and eternal salvation is appointed to sinners in consideration of the merits of Christ laid hold of by faith. 5 grace or gifts denoting extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain Christians and enabling them to serve the church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating on their souls by the Holy Spirit.

Next, SERVANTHOOD and SERVICE

διάκονος [diakonos /dee·ak·on·os/] Probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands) AV translates as "minister" 20 times, "servant" eight times, and "deacon" three times. 1 one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master, a servant, attendant, minister. 1a the servant of a king. 1b a deacon, one who, by virtue of the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor and has charge of and distributes the money collected for their use. 1c a waiter, one who serves food and drink.

διακονία, δωροφορία [diakonia /dee·ak·on·ee·ah/] AV translates as "ministry" 16 times, "ministration" six times, "ministering" three times, and translated miscellaneously nine times. 1 service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others. 2 of those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men. 2a of the office of Moses. 2b of the office of the apostles and its administration. 2c of the office of prophets, evangelists, elders etc. 3 the ministration of those who render to others the offices of Christian affection esp. those who help meet need by either collecting or distributing of charities. 4 the office of the deacon in the church. 5 the service of those who prepare and present food.

Through the Gift of Grace, our character, and capabilities are geared for Service, and we are enabled to serve in different and effective ways through the Power , and specific ways in which the Operations of God are worked out on this planet.

Christ COMPLETELY exemplified ALL these aspects - various gifts, various acts of service/ministry - during his stay with us. He often did the same thing in different ways ( e.g. restoring sight by touching or applying mud ) , but whether washing feet, commanding the wind and waves to be still, casting out demons, healing the sick, teaching, prophesying, being gracious and compassionate or even feeding the hungry - He always pointed us back to the fact that He was working the works of the Father!

The "cool" gifts - evangelism, healing, prophecy, tongues, miracles- get a lot of press and seem to be what we look for in "anointed" persons but my dearly beloved- teaching, preparing food, and showing love and grace to others are at the exact same level with all those gifts and equal evidence of the anointing!!!! The Baptism of the Spirit should first of all kindle the light of LOVE in you, for God is love, and the rest will follow based on His will, and who He has created you to be! We are all equal in Christ Jesus! When you exercise your gift in service according to His will, you will feel it to be a delight, joy, easy to do, and fulfilling! Find out what your GIFT is!!!!

Lastly, beware of being puffed up, or trying to work Gods works by your own power or will. It's a waste of time and effort. Your service will be rejected, your offering spurned, your attitude will stink, and while you may be outwardly praised - you will be empty and unfulfilled inside.

For without Him, we can do NOTHING!