Are You Using Your Spiritual Gift?

1 Corinthians 12:22-24 -  And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.  Yes, we are especially glad to have some parts that seem rather odd! And we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen,  while of course the parts that may be seen do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important.

 

Paul reminds the church that God gives each of us spiritual gifts to help us do His work. Each gift is unique and cannot be measured by the world’s standards. No gift is more important than another…they are all meant to work together to keep unity and strengthen the body of Christ. They are not for our own self advancement…but for serving God and enhancing the spiritual growth of all believers.

 

Everyone is given a gift…..everyone. No one is meant to do more than the other…we are all meant to have a part in helping others come to Christ.  We are all meant to be active participants in sharing the gospel of Christ. God gives each one a special ability to use for him….Paul lists some of them here…but the list is continued throughout the Bible.

 

Paul also wants us to remember how important humility and courage is when using our gift…and how going too far in either direction can hinder the faith God uses to bind us together as believers.  If you think to highly of your gift… then spiritual pride will puff up your heart and make it less effective in ministry. If you think too little of your gift…then your gift is never used...and your faith is weakened as well.

 

Father…thank you for the reminder that you have given each of us spiritual gifts to use to strengthen and enhance the body of believers  Forgive me for the times that I have thought to highly of my gift…and let pride decrease how you could use me.  Forgive me also for the times that I have failed to use my gift at all…thinking it unimportant.  Help me to always seek your will and direction in using the gifts of the spirit that will help others know you better.  Amen.