Variety of Gifts

Text

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body...." — Romans 12:4-5

Bible Reading

ROMANS 12:3-8

Devotional

The exalted Lord Jesus has given many gifts to his church. In a few Bible passages we find lists of these gifts: prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing, serving, teaching, and so on. These lists are not identical, and they are not exhaustive. They are not intended to be a complete inventory of the spiritual possessions of the early Christians.

The gifts differ considerably. To our mind they also differ in nature: "speaking in tongues" makes us think of a sudden overpowering by the Spirit, but when the gift of administration is mentioned, we tend to think of a natural ability. And when Paul includes even church officers in the list (Eph. 4), we are more apt to think of human appointment than of heavenly equipment. But the Scriptures want us to know that all these gifts are endowments of Christ. They come from heaven because they come from the Lord. They are heavenly graces or charismata that the Lord, or the Spirit, freely gives.

All these gifts, as varied as the functions of a human body, have but one purpose—building the body of Christ. They have no value in themselves. They become valuable when they are used. And the most valuable gifts are the ones that are most suitable for building the church of God.

We may not be proud of our gift or jealous of the grace given to another (v. 3). Certainly we may never make our special gift a standard for being a Christian. Nobody may say: "Since I speak in tongues and you don't, you are not a Christian." Or, "Since I am a teacher and you are not, you do not belong to the body." These special gifts of the Holy Spirit are given by the Lord according to the need of the hour, according to the prayers of Christians, and according to his sovereign pleasure. A measure of discussion is required so that we may know how to ask. Yet Christ's gifts must not be discussed too much. They must be used.

REFLECTIONS

What special gifts has Christ given you? How are you using his gifts to build up the body of Christ?

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This is a tricky subject. One that I am not very well versed in and need to learn more about. I do remember in high school, a few of us were given a test to look into what our Spiritual Gifts were and I do remember that my gifts were in areas of music, compassion & exhortation. Now these tests are not at all 100% correct, obviously because they were made by humans and God is the only One who can truly show us what are gifts are.

I can say for sure, I've been given a gift in worship and song. Singing is one of the most wonderful things that I am able to do, enjoy and use to bring glory to the Lord. God has allowed me to use my voice on more than one occasion to encourage the body of Christ. Its one of my most favorite things to do. Also, I believe that with the area of compassion and encouragement, I've been given a weird ability to feel where people are at and almost feel what they feel. I guess thats called empathy. When a friend is hurting, when a stranger is hurting, my heart goes out to them on a strangely high level and that can only be attributed to God, so that I can meet people where they are and be used by God, to HELP usher them into an understanding of God or what He is doing or why He's allowing things to happen. As far as exhortation, I always try to keep an optimistic mindset and encourage those around me to do the same. I am always trying to lift spirits and bring joy to people's lives because I've been given great joy from our Father in Heaven.

What gifts do you think that God has given you? What areas in your life do you see God using to bring Him glory and to encourage the body of Christ. Lets get some discussion going on this. If you are able, please provide scripture for what you believe, so we can dive deep into the word of God together on these things! Agape.