A Word from 1 Corinthians 12

What do you consider to be some of the greatest gifts you’ve been given? Are you grateful, perhaps, for the people in your life, and for the talents and income that allow you to support yourself and your family? Do you give thanks for the grace that saved you, and for the opportunities that come your way to demonstrate your salvation by serving others? Do you recognize how blessed you are to live in a community that’s remarkably safe, given the state of the world—and how fortunate you are to have even challenging experiences that develop your character and that teach you to cling to Christ?

Well, I’d imagine that most of us know how richly blessed we are. But when it comes to using our gifts, I do wonder at times, how good we are at keeping in mind their source and their purpose.

Thankfully, Paul reminds us of these things in today’s word from 1 Corinthians 12. “Now, there are different gifts,” Paul says, “but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.” (12:4-7; emphasis added)

Naturally, you might be aware that Paul says this in regard to what we often call “spiritual gifts”—things like wisdom, and faith, and healing. But I think Paul would agree with James when he says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17) And therefore, every gift is to be used—not just for our own benefit—but also to benefit others.

So, how are you going to use your gifts today?

May God give us grace to use everything we’ve been given to enrich the life that we share together. Amen.