Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
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. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
Paul explains how we are all part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts and different duties in the kingdom of God. He writes “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” (v.4). We have been given various abilities and skills to be used for the good of all God’s children.
How do we know what we are good at and what we are called to do? We learn through prayer and listening to God, by following the example Jesus showed us, and by our connection to the Holy Spirit. We hear other people encourage us, affirming our spiritual gifts at work in God’s world.
While God needs no help to accomplish the work, He delights in our participation in His eternal plan. We all have a part in kingdom work, and filling that role is essential to us and to those who are blessed by the effort. Seek to use your gifts and be thankful for them, God has called us each by name in His service.
Gracious God, we thank You for the gifts You give. Help us to be good stewards of Your blessings, using our skills and resources wisely for the good of all people. Amen.