Isn’t it great that as believers we not only have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, but we are also given special abilities or gifts. Some of us have been walking around our whole life with these superpowers but may not have realized what they were for or how they are to be used to further the kingdom of God. How does it make you feel to know you have a purpose as a chosen child of God?
The apostle Paul teaches us what these abilities might be. Because the idea of spiritual gifts or abilities may be a new concept for many, Paul’s analogy of a body makes a lot of sense. There needs to be many different gifts because there are a lot of “jobs” to do within the body of Christ.
What did we learn about the Holy Spirit from this teaching? We know that the Holy Spirit is the one who distributes the gifts. The Holy Spirit’s wisdom knows exactly what gifts each of us should have. Just like the jealous little sister on Christmas morning, sometimes we wish we had received a different gift than we had been given. The Spirit knows best, and we should trust that wisdom.
We also know the Holy Spirit’s purpose in giving us these gifts. Not only does it help us, but we are able to help each other and fortify the church. It’s no accident that in our church communities we have people who sing in choir, others who teach, and others who love nothing more than to make coffee and help in the kitchen. Now you know where these special abilities come from. The Holy Spirit has quite a responsibility to orchestrate such an elaborate plan.
Do you see any of your abilities listed in these examples? It’s possible the Holy Spirit is still working in you to help you see your giftings. There are gifts listed in other Bible texts, too. (See Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, and 1 Peter 4:10-11, as a few examples.) You’ll know what your place in the body of Christ is when you find yourself doing something you are good at and realizing it is helping others, too.
Have you ever heard of a Spiritual Gifts Inventory? That is generally a set of questions designed to help you figure out how God has gifted you. I’ve seen some of these automated on the internet in recent years. My husband designed the first one I ever took for our congregation. It was very insightful to see how God, more specifically the Holy Spirit, had been shaping me my whole life.
I encourage you to get involved in your local church in some way, using your special abilities. What are some of the needs in your faith community? How can you use your talents to make a difference?
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for how you have gifted me. I am honored that you have chosen me to make a difference in your kingdom. I do desire to have a gift that is beneficial and will do the most to help and encourage others in their faith. Help me to use your gifts wisely, trusting you to show me how. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
