The Gifts of the Spirit
“When we use our unique gifts, we have the power to make change.”
1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-14 (NIV)
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Reflection
Most people think of ants and bees as nuisance pests, but they are vital to the ecosystem. They form large groups around their queen, and their organized system of workers sustains the whole community. Each plays a vital role in the hierarchy. Without them, the ecosystem would erode into chaos.
Likewise, God works in different ways with different people. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior have been given the Holy Spirit and His gifts in a unique way, and we are to use these gifts to edify the church, glorify God, and bring others to Him. We are all of one body, which has many significant parts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. The gifts of the Spirit come from God, and God alone.
When we use our unique gifts, we have the power to make change. Exposing the world to these gifts will cause people to wonder about God. Just imagine what the world would be like if each of us listened to the Holy Spirit and used our gifts to benefit others!
Even the early church asked what their spiritual gifts were. So, what should you know about them? First, they are given for God’s purpose, and He matches our gifts with our circumstances. He made us perfectly for this time and place (Acts 17:26-27), and our gifts are no different. We are to use them to help others and further His kingdom according to His will. These are not superpowers for our own benefit, so be cautious of prideful intent. Our gifts are to be used for the common good, for blessing the community in which we live.
This was countercultural for the early church, and it is countercultural now. We should be comforted by the fact that our covenant-keeping God has given us predetermined gifts to accomplish His purposes, and to further the gospel in a lost and dying world. How beautiful and wonderous this is!
Action Steps
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for equipping me with everything I need to be successful in bringing others to You. Sometimes I’m not sure of what my gifts are. Sometimes I feel small and insignificant. Remind me that I’m special, and You have chosen me to further Your kingdom. You have placed me right where I am, for this specific time. Please continue to reveal Yourself and guide me to use my gifts to glorify You. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
Reflection
Most people think of ants and bees as nuisance pests, but they are vital to the ecosystem. They form large groups around their queen, and their organized system of workers sustains the whole community. Each plays a vital role in the hierarchy. Without them, the ecosystem would erode into chaos.
Likewise, God works in different ways with different people. Those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior have been given the Holy Spirit and His gifts in a unique way, and we are to use these gifts to edify the church, glorify God, and bring others to Him. We are all of one body, which has many significant parts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. The gifts of the Spirit come from God, and God alone.
When we use our unique gifts, we have the power to make change. Exposing the world to these gifts will cause people to wonder about God. Just imagine what the world would be like if each of us listened to the Holy Spirit and used our gifts to benefit others!
Even the early church asked what their spiritual gifts were. So, what should you know about them? First, they are given for God’s purpose, and He matches our gifts with our circumstances. He made us perfectly for this time and place (Acts 17:26-27), and our gifts are no different. We are to use them to help others and further His kingdom according to His will. These are not superpowers for our own benefit, so be cautious of prideful intent. Our gifts are to be used for the common good, for blessing the community in which we live.
This was countercultural for the early church, and it is countercultural now. We should be comforted by the fact that our covenant-keeping God has given us predetermined gifts to accomplish His purposes, and to further the gospel in a lost and dying world. How beautiful and wonderous this is!
Action Steps
- Identify your spiritual gifts. Pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment, and then discuss with your church leaders and church family. Confirmation from others can help when discerning our gifts.
- God calls us to obey and serve Him. Think of one way you can use your gifts to serve others today. Start small, practice, document, and then repeat in faith!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for equipping me with everything I need to be successful in bringing others to You. Sometimes I’m not sure of what my gifts are. Sometimes I feel small and insignificant. Remind me that I’m special, and You have chosen me to further Your kingdom. You have placed me right where I am, for this specific time. Please continue to reveal Yourself and guide me to use my gifts to glorify You. I love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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