Gifts That Keep on Giving
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 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, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:3-8
Reflection
Everybody is different! Some people are outgoing and social, while others are shy and like to keep to themselves. Some people are very organized and controlled, while others are much more spontaneous and risk-taking. We each learn, communicate, and express our feelings in different ways. God has made us so that no two people are the same and so that we each have a variety of gifts to contribute to our communal life. While it may at times be frustrating to deal with someone who has very different ways, we need the full spectrum of human personalities and abilities to find wholeness in our lives.
Our reading from Romans focuses especially on the diversity of gifts for ministry that God gives each follower of Christ. These spiritual gifts are distributed among God’s people for the well-being of the entire church (the Body of Christ.) We can’t all do the same things, which means we need to work together with people of varying gifts and abilities to accomplish the church’s mission. You might be good at singing but lack organizational skills. On the other hand, you might be a great organizer but have no teaching skill. You may be gifted with extraordinary faith or the ability to pray well, or you may be the kind of person who is great at fixing mechanical equipment. (Church boilers come to mind.) No one person has all the skills the church needs to do its work. It is only when we come together and share our gifts that we can be what God created us to be. To the extent that all members of Christ’s Body share their gifts, the church will be healthy and strong. If some choose to sit on the sidelines and not use their gifts, our mutual ministry will be weakened. Our abilities and spiritual gifts are not our own. They belong to God and to the ministry of God’s people. As stewards of God’s gifts, it is important that we use them in God’s service.
Activity
Think back over the course of your life to date. What abilities do you seem to naturally possess? What skills have you developed over time? Is there anything you have yet to do that you think you might be good at? How are you using these gifts in God’s service? If you have gifts you aren’t sharing with God’s people, make a plan to do so. Talk to a pastor or other church leader about how you can use your God-given abilities.
Prayer
God of Creation, You are the giver of every good gift: My possessions, my abilities, and my life itself come from You and will return to You. Forgive me when I fail to be grateful or refuse to share. Open my eyes to Your amazing generosity, and return me to the path of faithful stewardship. Help me to discover my gifts and put them to use in your service. Thank You for giving each one of us a role to play in sharing the Good News of Your realm: in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Key Thought: We are called to be stewards of the spiritual gifts and abilities God has given us.
