Gifts of the Spirit Part 1 – 24 May 2021

It gives me great pleasure to see how a gift can transform the expression on someone’s face into a big smile. When more than one gift appears from the same gift bag though, shrieks of delight often accompany that smile. And my joy exceeds all boundaries.

Quite appropriate reactions for believers who not only receive the Holy Spirit as the first gift at rebirth (Romans 8:23) but are also entrusted with one or more of the other spiritual gifts! Yes, you can take this promise seriously: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) Did you hear? Each one receives at least one gift from the Spirit! Just remember that nobody receives a spiritual gift as a reward for his or her faithfulness – the Holy Spirit gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:11)

When you receive a gift, what is your first reaction or thought? Surely not to keep it wrapped up in a cupboard! If you should do this with the spiritual gift the Father gives to you, you may never discover what he has in mind to do in other people’s lives through your gift(s). Thus, a question for you: What are you going to do with the spiritual gift(s) that the Holy Spirit has entrusted to you? The wise thing would be to thankfully accept it from the Giver and “open” it. Then prayerfully invest time in the understanding of how your gift can be used for the common good of the church. Then set your hand to the task.

Please do not forget, though, that the different spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit entrusts to believers serve to glorify God. Furthermore, my gift, yours, and every other believer’s gift, should be used to equip and build up Christ’s body for works of service. This co-operation results in unity of our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God. And the eventual outcome? “… we become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) Almost unbelievable! God uses you, me, and every sincere believer to invest in people’s spiritual growth. I think the Holy Trinity rejoices when they see dedicated believers involved in the work of the kingdom on earth.

Maybe you are itching to ask the question: “Just give me a few examples of these spiritual gifts, please?” Amongst others, the roles of evangelist and teacher; a word of wisdom and a spirit of discernment; helping, serving and leading.More on this topic in Gifts of the Spirit part 2.

May you discover that you are not merely here to exist or just be alive. You have a task to fulfil. If you already know what your gifts are, remember that you now have a call of duty on your shoulders. But the question you have to answer is, “Do I want to become part of a spiritual, winning team?”

Prayer: Father, thank you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that enable me to do the spiritual task you called me to. I am completely dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this matter. Would you please walk next to me and guide me every step of the way? Amen