1 Corinthians 12:4-7,11 (NIV) – “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

What wonderful grace God gives to us. He gives Spiritual gifts to His believers, to the body of Christ. The gifts are abilities or tools given to us by the Spirit’s empowering to enable us to minister in specific ways to advance God’s kingdom. And it’s a gift! It’s not a reward or a merit badge. Spiritual gifts are not to elevate us or be some measure of our spiritual maturity. The gifts are given to us for service, for the common good, to lift up others, to edify others and build up God’s church. It’s not about us. It’s about Jesus. This is the marvelous grace of God at work in our lives.

Let’s seek God in prayer concerning the gifts He has given to us – may He stir them up and strengthen them. Let’s also ask God to help us step up in faith and exercise the  Spiritual gifts so that God’s church would be built up.

– CH