Varieties of Gifts
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Spiritual gifts are the tangible and practical work of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Yet do you know what spiritual gifts you have? Everybody has least at one gift–no one goes without! Sometimes we are not always aware of which gift (or gifts) we do have. There are no two people who have the same gifts in the same way: we are all different in the gifts we have and how we use them. The body of Christ has many part; we are designed to be vibrant and contribute differently to God’s work here on earth. (One way to discover your gifts is through the course Discovering God’s Vision for your Life.)
The Bible specifically names at least 20 spiritual gifts, and there are other characteristics and traits that Christians should seek as they grow. The list of spiritual gifts includes: prophecy, servant-hood, teaching, exhortation, stewardship, leadership, mercy, wisdom, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, administration and discipleship. (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-30, and Ephesians 4:11) What do you think your spiritual gifts may be? How are you using them to serve others?
I know that when I taught a class on discerning your spiritual gift, the one that many were fearful of was speaking in tongues. Like all gifts, some have this gift and others don’t, but do not be afraid of what might be yours–ask God to give it to you! God gives all gifts to us and God will not give us something and then leave us to get on with it on our own–we can be sure of that. God, by His Spirit, not only gives gifts, but also shows us where and how to use them, and how we might bless others through them and so bring glory back to God.
Lord God, let us keep your Scriptures in mind and meditate on them day and night, persevering in prayer, always on watch. We beg you, Lord, to give us real knowledge of what we read, and to show us not only how to understand it, but how to put it into practice, and to obtain spiritual gifts enlightened by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose power and glory will endure throughout all ages. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer from Origen of Alexandria
