To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit
for the common good.
My husband spent a good part of Saturday working on a home repair project due to a leak over the kitchen window. Among other things, the project included the installation of a new light fixture. As often happens, it quickly became apparent that this would be more work than originally thought and require more finagling than anticipated. However, after some quiet contemplation, a fair bit of not-so-quiet muttering, a little persistence, and a couple of trips to the garage, my mechanically minded husband solved the problem. He never gives himself enough credit when it comes to fixing things around the house, even though he always seems to figure it out, muttering and all.
On the other hand, I have no ability whatsoever when it comes to repairing anything. It’s even become apparent that I’m much better at breaking things than fixing them. My husband has been the repairer of my unfortunate mishaps more than once. My skills are more in the areas of house cleaning, organizing and decorating. In the end, it all works out. I make it all look pretty and he makes sure it all functions as it should.
We all have different abilities and talents regarding the ways we are wired. Some are hands-on problem solvers, much like my husband. Others are creatives, visionaries and daydreamers, more like me. To function well as a family and even a society, we benefit from everyone’s strengths.
In the same way, God grants us spiritual gifts at the time of our salvation for the good of the church. In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul spent an entire chapter speaking about these gifts.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (v. 4-7).
Each believer has been given one special gift (and possibly more), received from the Holy Spirit to be used for the benefit of the people of God. There are different gifts which lead to different activities and places of service within the context of the church, but every single one is necessary. Without every gift being put to use within the church, something is lacking or amiss.
When we belong to the body of Christ, we are called to serve one another through the gifts we’ve been given. So, here are two questions to consider:
Have I identified my spiritual gifts?
Although the Bible doesn’t offer a definitive list, different gifts are found in the following scriptures: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. To identify our gifts, it’s important to study the scriptures and ask God to give insight. Much like the way we choose career paths or develop hobbies, our spiritual gifts are usually reflected in the things that most excite us about church life.
Do you have a desire to shepherd the women in your small group? You may have the gift of leadership? Do you enjoy making coffee or greeting others on Sunday mornings? You may have the gift of hospitality. Do others seek you out for spiritual advice? You may have the gift of wisdom. (Here’s a test to help you identify your gifts.)
The best way to discover our spiritual gifts is to get involved and start serving in the community of faith where God has placed us. When we are both inspired and affirmed in our service, this is where God can effectively use us for His kingdom.
Am I using my spiritual gifts for the good of others?
We can be tempted to look at others and desire their particular gift. Or conversely, we may consider our gift to be of greater importance than someone else’s. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul continues his discourse on spiritual gifts; in fact, chapters 12 and 13 are to be read together. Paul stresses that these gifts are worthless without love being the overarching virtue through which each one is expressed.
The one who leads the worship service is no more important than the one who changes diapers in the nursery. Every part is needed for the body to function as God has planned, just as every part of our physical bodies is vital to our well-being. When we truly discover what we’ve been created for, we can find joy and contentment in living our lives in service to God’s kingdom.
Concerning spiritual gifts, Jen Wilkin writes: “As those who are the recipients of the good and perfect gifts of God, goodness towards others means generosity. It means we recognize that God gives us good things not so that they might terminate in us, but so that we might steward them on behalf of others.”
Do spiritual gifts matter? Yes, they do! Discovering and using our spiritual gifts for the glory of God is a vital part of growing in Christlikeness. When we use our gifts with a heart of humility, service and love, we not only bless others. We fulfill God’s purpose for the family of God here on earth.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:15-16
Love your posts every Monday, but especially to-day. My dear hubby has a real gift for figuring things out and anything that needs to be taken apart and put back together perfectly always seemed to work for him. Unfortunately, I didn’t learn from him, and now, he can’t do any of those things and I sure miss it, but I have learned to do things that I never intended to have to do. But God is good-even when we mutter and complain (like Guy) He always seems to know exactly what we need-maybe patience is the most important thing. God Bless you and sending hugs…..