Today’s theme is “the gifts of the Spirit.” But what exactly are these gifts? Many of us will be familiar with the lists of spiritual gifts Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians 12 8-10 and Ephesians 4:11. Included are preaching, teaching, prophecy, wisdom, healing, speaking in tongues and many others. But we use the same idea elsewhere in life. As a child I was labelled “gifted” for excelling in many subjects at school. We also speak of gifted musicians, artists, sportspeople… the list goes on!
The idea behind these gifts is that they are, indeed, gifts. We didn’t obtain them on our own merits, or spend or trade something to receive them. They were given to us, freely, no strings attached. This shouldn’t be a surprise to any of us, because we know we were formed by God, uniquely as we are, including what we are good at. All of our gifts – spiritual and mundane alike – are a part of God’s wonderful design for our lives.
What are your gifts? Some are obvious, some are subtle, but all are important, a part of the grace God gives us (Ephesians 4:7). If you don’t know, ask your friends and church family; they might see how God is using you to lift others up, even without you realising it. Discover your gifts, learn to use them, and thank God for them. They’re gifts, after all!
James.