Gift

Gift

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

“MAKE SURE YOU CHECK all the pockets!”

It was Christmas morning, and my sister had just opened a gift from my aunt and uncle: a beautiful new purse. While my grandma Jo was known for her gorgeous shoe collection, her daughter—my aunt Bernnetta—loved purses. Because she had all sons, rather than daughters, she frequently sent them to us for holidays and birthdays.

We’d learned, however, that she often placed other small items in the wrapping paper or tucked them into one of the side pockets. On at least one occasion, we overlooked the small surprise or accidentally threw it away with the paper. Now we knew better.

My aunt’s gifts were always a delight to receive, not only because they were thoughtfully given but because we never knew what to expect. We had to look beyond the surface in order to discover the full gift.

In the same way, God has given each of us spiritual gifts. Sometimes they are obvious, like someone with a desire to teach others or a heart for hospitality. But many times they may be a skill we’ve overlooked, a hidden talent or aptitude that we shrug off as not holy enough or helpful enough for the Kingdom of God. Yet each of us has been given spiritual gifts, not so that they can remain hidden or go unused, but so that we can help each other. As members of the body of Christ, we are called and equipped to work together for the Kingdom of God. No one is immune or excluded or left out. Everyone’s in. Everyone’s included. And everyone has a gift.

Lord, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to be faithful to use them. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: List some of the gifts God has given you. What talents or aptitudes have you overlooked or not considered worthy of using for him?