We encourage you to read this devotion
three times a day. Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning
reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the
noon question for reflection. For the evening, take time to ponder how
this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening
question. We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we
invite you to pray what is in your heart.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers
and sisters, I do not want
you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led
astray to idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore
I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let
Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and
there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and
there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of
them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the
common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom,
and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to
another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one
Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to
another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to
another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All
these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one
individually just as the Spirit chooses.
Reflection:
A
gift of the Spirit is a special ability (made effective by the Holy Spirit)
given to each believer to do Christian service. The difference between natural abilities and spiritual gifts
is often overlooked. A natural
ability or aptitude, like music or athletics, is an inherent personal
characteristic often evident from childhood. It can be developed and used as the individual decides,
selfishly or for the glory of God.
A spiritual gift, or charism, is
a manifestation of the Holy Spirit to meet a specific need for the common good
of the people of God. A spiritual
gift may or may not involve the use of a natural ability. Whether or not a person’s special
ability is involved, a spiritual gift is evident and is meant to be used to
glorify God. It is something that
can be seen or heard or appreciated by the Body of Christ.
In
modern times, we are prone to individualism which has fostered a self-centered
approach to how and when gifts will be used. We often say, “That’s not my gift.” or “What is my gift?” Instead,
we are called to respond as the Holy Spirit leads and answer the needs of
community in a selfless way. Over
a period of time, we could discover that we are being “gifted” in a certain way
that was not expected because God is answering a need. Whatever the case, all gifts come from
the same Spirit. There are many
varieties and it isn’t a competition.
Spiritual gifts are not ranked by importance…they come from the same God
who activates all of them in everyone.
And according to Paul, love is the underlying motive and method for
manifesting all spiritual gifts since it is not self-centered but rather
focuses on others and the needs of the body. If you have never taken a spiritual gift inventory, there
are many on-line versions. Have
you ever thought about where God is calling you to serve? You might be surprised!
Reflection Questions:
Morning:
As
you look forward to this day, think about ways that you feel uniquely
gifted. How might you use your
abilities to the glory of God?
Noon: James 1:17 says that “every good and
perfect gift comes from God.” Name
a few gifts in your life that you can thank God for.
Evening: Before you sleep tonight, focus on the Presence of
God. Allow yourself to be with the
Spirit and allow the Spirit to lead you and inform you of what God wants you to
know.
Prayer:
Holy God, thank you for creating
me uniquely. There are days when I’m
not sure how or where you want to use me.
Help me Lord to quit focusing on what I want, but on what you want from
me. Guide me as I discern the
spiritual gifts in me. Amen
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