“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who
produces all of them in everyone. To each person the
manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. For
one person is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the
message of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to
another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one
Spirit, to another performance of miracles, to another
prophecy, and to another discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of
tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. It
is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who
produces all these things.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
All of us have different and varied gifts for
ministry. The apostle Paul tells us that all gifts are in the same
Spirit; all different ministries are accomplished in the one Lord; and all
results from the gifts and ministries come from the same God who produces them
all. Yes, there are varied and different gifts for ministry. Some
people will have certain gifts while others will have their own special gifts.
These gifts are used to proclaim the name of Jesus, build up the body of
Christ, and spread the kingdom of God.
Take a few moments to think about the gifts for ministry
God gave to you. What are they? Do you use them? Are there
ones that have yet to be activated by God’s Spirit? Also, take a moment
to think about the people God put into your lives who have recognized your
gifts for ministry. Give thanks for the people God gave to you who helped
shape your calling to proclaim the gospel in word and deed.
Like those persons who helped us to recognize our gifts
for ministry, we have a call to help others recognize their Spirit given
gifts. As Paul says there are different gifts, ministries, and
results. Some people might have the gift of music to help enhance the
worship service. Others may have a gift for sharing their faith openly
and without reserve. Some might have the gift for leadership and the
administrative aspects of church ministry. Others have the gift to visit
the sick and hospitalized. Some might have the gift for leading prayer or
Bible study. The Spirit gives gifts to all people who have been called to
faith in Jesus Christ. We have the task to proclaim the gospel, make
disciples, and then help those disciples recognize their gifts for
ministry. The Holy Spirit will continue to call, gather, and enlighten
all of us for the task of using our gifts that were activated.
In Christ ~ Pastor Maureen
Prayer: Gracious Spirit, you have called us to the
gospel and enlightened us with gifts for proclaiming the gospel. We give
you thanks for the communion of saints who have helped us grow in our lives of
faith and recognize our gifts for ministry. Guide us to use our gifts so
that you may work through us to bring others into the faith of Jesus Christ and
to proclaim that faith to the world. Amen.
