I was born with some natural abilities. (Stunning good looks- jk) I have learned a few things and developed some talents along the way. Now, as much as I love to play basketball or surf, I’m not going to be a professional, that’s pretty evident. I marvel at those who are the ‘best’ at certain activities: sharing knowledge and teaching, snowboarding, delivering inspiring sermons, surfing, baseball, football, rock climbing, BMX, painting, singing, the list goes on and on. Many were born with a great ability, all have developed their skill and acumen to a point of being outstanding. How wonderful that makes our world. And then, there is the unique Christian experience- where God adds, augments, or supplements these ‘natural’ abilities with super powers (The Bible calls them Spiritual Gifts). I have some spiritual gifts and those around me have many too. Varied. Different. And when used for God’s glory, they bring blessing to others!
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 NLT
Do I know what spiritual gifts God has entrusted to me? Am I exercising them daily for the benefit of others?
God, as this day begins- I thank you for the myriad of gifts given to others, that have, and continue to benefit my life. May I too be one available today to take my God-given super powers and use them for good.
