I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live.

The Gifts of the Spirit (Week 4)

The gifts, talents, abilities, and attitudes that we have been given by the creator are intended for us to discover, and then use until they become perfect. We are to uncover who we were created to be - not cover up what we fear we are. 

We are not to hide our gifts in the sand and go away and leave them as some animals do. God has given to each of us a gift that we should discover and use for his glory.  1 Peter 4:10 tells us that  we should employ this gift  in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

In regards to spiritual Gifts, God has given to the church a variety of gifts to include Word of wisdom; Word of knowledge; Gift of faith; Gift of healing; Working

of miracles; Prophecy’; Distinguishing between Speaking in tongues; and interpreting tongues. When we look at       

 1 Corinthians 12:4, the word of God says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”  The reason it’s the same Spirit is because it’s the same God working within us who is empowering those gifts in us. There is only One Lord, and therefore, only one Spirit that gives these diverse gifts.

Spiritual gifts are part of the very nature of God, given to us for Him to use to fulfill His purposes in our lives and on the earth. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul clearly explained the purpose of spiritual gifts. God gave spiritual gifts for the perfecting of the saints (as verse 12 states). 

As a reminder, we were saved by a gift.  Ephesians 2:8 says “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;” This faith by which we are saved is a gift from God. 

So why is it important to have these gifts? First, Scripture specifically says that spiritual gifts are given to build up the church (the body of Christ.) They were given by Jesus Christ to aid the church with its mission until He returns. These gifts from the Lord allow believers to do the work of the Christian ministry.

Some gifts such as preaching, teaching, and prophesying may seem more important than others such as hospitality or service. But God has given all of these gifts to build up his church. None of these gifts should be looked down upon or treated lightly.

So, give expression to your inner self today. It is not only God’s gift to you but the very best you can ever give to God and to others.