spiritual gifts – Page 3

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 – Could I Be a Mouth?

We are all parts of the body of Christ. I love the imagery Paul uses to help us understand we are all important. We all have a role to play. I said “mouth” for me because God is using me to “speak up” and help people remember to connect with him and his word. But really, I’d be doing the same thing I’m doing even if I was a big toe!

All kidding aside, I love how Paul affirms everyone. In our day and age when sensitivity is at an all time high, this is a particularly good message. Don’t you love when you stumble upon real life solutions within the pages of the Bible? The body of Christ must have all the different parts, and each part is equally important! When we live a truth like that, we can’t help but be more loving to others.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Have You Opened Your Gift?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The Holy Spirit is so generous! Not only are we gifted with special abilities to further the kingdom, we are drawn to Jesus, recognizing that he is Lord because of the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives. The gifts we are given are designed especially for us. “There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.”

When we realize how we have been gifted, we can use our gifts to serve God and others in our kingdom fellowship. It’s usually not too hard to figure out how we’ve been gifted. Start by looking at what you are good at or what gives you joy when you do it. What are some of those things for you? Are you using them to help build up God’s kingdom?

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 Special Abilities

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

superman suit revealed underneath clothes

Isn’t it exciting to know that having the Holy Spirit take up residence in you has some added perks? This is the perfect reading to touch on some of the special abilities we have access to through the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean we’ll see all these things manifested in our lives. “God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” That’s the truth we need to hold on to.

When you read this list, did you recognize a Spiritual gift you may have been given? If not, no worries because there are other lists in the Bible. Each of our gifts and abilities may be different, but perfectly chosen by God for his purpose.

1 Kings 10:14-29 – Is It Too Much?

Read 1 Kings 10:14-29

a handful of gold stars all floating up in the air

King Solomon has quite the reputation. More and more wealth continues to flow his way. He is well-respected, helping many nations, not just his own, with the wisdom God gave him.

The lavish appearance of the palace as well as the multitude of horses, chariots, and such seems a bit like overkill to me. I started to ask myself, “is it too much?” Enough is enough. Aren’t there hungry people somewhere that could use support? Covering everything in gold seems a little excessive to me.

1 Kings 4:20-34 – Prosperity

Read 1 Kings 4:20-34

cartoon-bag of money with a bunch of gold coins in front

Prosperity often eludes us, but not so for Solomon and his court. I love how this section starts off with an answered promise. You may recall God promised Abraham in Genesis 22:17, “I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” I love when the Bible points to itself. These people are those promised descendants!

A breath of fresh air! Solomon’s rule is peaceful, and there is harmony. I can’t help but remember how much fighting we read about during David’s reign. But then his gift was to be a warrior. His son is taking a different route. Could you even fathom the daily allowance of food and supplies for Solomon’s household?