As we move into the New Testament, we find further details about gifts of the Spirit as revealed to us through Paul and Peter. In many ways, we can discover those gifts through the talents God places in our lives.

I used to sing solos in our church and received compliments, which was nice, but when people said, “That really blessed me today”, I knew my singing had become a spiritual gift.

I have a Christian friend who does professional magic shows. The shows entertain and amaze, but often he will liken a trick to a spritual truth. If that ignites a renewing thought in the mind of one believer in the audience, I believe he has exercised a spiritual gift the Lord planted in his heart.

However, a pastor may preach week after week and the people fall into a dazed routine, blindly leaving them to figure they have paid their penance for the week. The sermons are not Spirit filled. So it’s not so much that one talent is better than another, it’s whether that talent has been bathed in the Spririt of the Lord.

In I Corinthians, Paul emphasizes that there are different kinds of inner gifts.

To one there is given, through the Spirit, the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge, to another faith by that one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:8-9

In Romans, Paul points out how we have need for each part of our bodies—like the visable parts, feet, arms, and ears, and the inward parts, the heart, bones, and tissue.

Likewise, we have need for the varying parts of the body of Christ—

. . . those who serve, teach, or encourage. [He underscores the power behind these acts.] When you contribute to the needs of others, give generously. If it is leadership, govern diligently. If it is showing mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:7-8

Maybe you’re a note writer. As the Lord lays someone on your heart, your note may be just the encouragement that widow needed that day. If you’re a good cook and like to serve, that prepared meal may be just the help a young mother prayed for while she was healing at home from surgery.

If your gift is generosity, your quiet gift to a struggling family may be the lifeblood they needed to get through a tough time. Your gift of leadership may be just what a Bible study class needs to organize and become productive again.

Peter agrees with Paul, it isn’t just the ability you have, it’s the attitude and purpose that makes it annointed as a gift of the Spirit. 

Offer hospitality to one another [How?] without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, [How?] faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it [How?] as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it [How?] with the strength God provides, so that in all things God’s name may be praised through Jesus Christ. I Peter 4:9-11

What is your spiritual gift? May you use it abundantly.

~ Joyce ~