Let’s start with the obvious: A gift is something that is given to you. If you deserve it, it is not a gift. If you have earned it, it is not a gift. If you have worked hard to get it, it is not a gift. And the apostle Paul says that God has given many gifts, and not everyone has the same gift (1 Corinthians 12:3-6). Even the faith to claim Jesus as Lord is a gift (1 Corinthians 12:3). No, I didn’t figure it out. God has given the gift of faith.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul identifies a number of the gifts that God gives: faith (v. 3), wisdom (v. 8), knowledge (v. 8), healing (v. 9), miracles (v. 10), prophecy (v. 10), discernment (v. 10), speaking and understanding various tongues (v. 10), apostles (v. 28), prophets (v. 28), teachers (v. 28), healing (v. 28), use of power (v. 28), assistance (v. 28), leadership (v. 28).
My guess is that as you read that list, you thought of people you know who have been given such gifts. Let’s look at some ways those gifts show up in our time and place.
Prophet? We usually think of a prophet as someone who can predict the future. The biblical understanding of prophecy is wider than that. A prophet is someone who speaks on behalf of someone else. Do you know persons who are speaking God’s truth as they share?
Healing? Of course, we are grateful for those who can be God’s instrument in bringing new physical beginnings for sick or injured people. But what about those whose spirit and outreach are to heal the broken places in our lives, to restore unity when we begin to choose sides? That also is healing!
Tongues? There are indeed communities that value those who speak or interpret what seems foreign but Spirit-driven. But what about those whose gift is to explain important concepts and terms that seem beyond our comprehension? Do you know someone who can say what “eschatological soteriology” means? That is a valuable gift that helps us understand!
Leadership? We all know how blessed we are when our church leaders are gifted in administration! (Do you see the word “ministry” hidden in the word “administration”? Yes, Church Council chair, I am thinking of you! Yes, Bishop! I am thinking of you!)
