G I F T S
When we think of Christmas, besides the birth of Jesus we think of Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and among other things Christmas gifts. But God gave us not only the best gift of all, His Son, on that first Christmas, but he has given us some wonderful gifts, our spiritual gifts.
We all have different gifts, each of which come because of the grace God gave us. (Romans 12:6)
How do you use your gifts? Have you ever wondered…
What spiritual gifts God has given you?
How you can use them?
There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve, but the same Lord to serve. And there are different ways that God works through people, but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. The Spirit gives one person the ability to speak with wisdom, and the same Spirit gives another the ability to speak with knowledge. The same Spirit gives faith to one person. And to another the one Spirit gives gifts of healing The Spirit gives to another person the power to do miracles, to another the ability to prophesy. And he gives to another the ability to know the difference between good and evil spirits. The Spirit gives one person the ability to interpret those languages One Spirit, the same Spirit, does all these things and the Spirit decides what to give each person. (I Corinthians 12:4-11)
In Hebrew 2:4 we read: God also proved it (salvation God’s greatest gift) by using wonders, great signs many kinds of miracles and by giving gifts through the Holy Spirit, just as he wanted.
Since God is the giver, he chooses what gifts to give each person. He selects from his infinite pool of talents and blessings and chooses something appropriate for you. Every gift is good. You can’t walk away slighted. It’s up to you to discover what gifts he’s placed in your heart and to use them.
Perhaps you wonder why God gives special gifts. In a “fair” economy every person would receive the same gifts, in the same measure, at the same time. But God’s economy operates differently. To some, he gives the gift of teaching. To others, he gives the gift of hospitality. These are very different gifts, right? God’s family needs all of the gifts in order to function smoothly. We are dependent upon each other.
Sometimes we “miss the boat” when we don’t pay attention to our passions. What did you like to do when you were young, play house, or play school, dance or sing? Just what were your talents? God gave the passion to us and it is up to us to follow through in choosing what we will do with our life. God has a plan for each of our lives and when we do not pay attention God has to adjust his plans. Sometimes late in life, maybe after retirement, we are able to follow through and make up for the lost time. If you are young and haven’t made up your mind, be sure to ask God what he would like for you to do. Then say: “As you wish”, Lord. If you are now retired, there is still time to do what God had wanted for you to do all along. Grandma Moses is a great example of someone who was able to make a career for herself, long after most of us would have given up. We bring glory to God, when we listen to him.
God loves you just the way you are. If you think his love for you would be stronger if your faith were, you are wrong. If you think his love would be deeper if your thoughts were his thoughts, wrong again. Don’t confuse God’s love with the love of people. The love of people often increases with performance and decreases with mistakes. Not so with God’s love. He loves you right where you are?
Ask God what gifts he has given you. Ask your family, friends pastor and yourself. Consider your talents and your passions, and pray that God would show you how he wants you to serve the family. Then snap up your prize and use it for God.
Gloria Peek (with help from Max Lucado)
Originally published in our Advent Devotional 2007
Reprinted in memory of Gloria.
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