God Gives A Multitude Of Gifts

17 Jan

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone.
To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit
is given for some benefit.
To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom;
to another, the expression of knowledge according to the
same Spirit;
to another, faith by the same Spirit;
to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit;
to another, mighty deeds;
to another, prophecy;
to another, discernment of spirits;
to another, varieties of tongues;
to another, interpretation of tongues.
But one and the same Spirit produces all of these,
distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.  1 Cor 12:4-11)

It seems that a large part of our human nature leads us to want to “keep up with the Joneses.”  However, when we do that, we actually deprive ourselves of a great gift:  variety.  If we keep up with everybody else, we would all end up having the same things and doing the same things.  That can become monotonous quite quickly.

God does not give one or two gifts to everybody.  No.  He gives a plethora of gifts to His people so that, utilizing the gifts given to them, they may enhance the lives of others.  And others utilizing their gifts fully enhance our lives.

When every person utilizes his or her gifts as completely as possible the world is showered with variety and with blessing.

So do not worry so much about what another person has received.  And do not begrudge someone his or her gifts.  After all, God has given you a personalized set of gifts to use.  Look inside yourself, identify your gifts, and thank God for them.  The best way to thank God is by utilizing your gifts as fully as possible.

God gives all of us our gifts as He wishes.

FAITH ACTION:  Ask God to reveal to you the gift(s) that He has given to you and ask Him for the grace to use His gift(s) to the fullest.