Now the body is not a single part, but many.
Now you are Christ’s Body, and individually parts of it.
Some people God has designated in the Church
to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers;
then, mighty deeds;
then gifts of healing, assistance, administration,
and varieties of tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing?
Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. (1 Cor 12:14,27-31a)
God has done many remarkable things in our lives. One of them has been to gift us generously and uniquely.
Not all of us have the same gifts.
Each of us have been given gifts from God so that we may, together, build up the Body of Christ, which is the Church.
In order to do so, then, we must do all that we can to discern the gifts that God has given to us.
Too many people set their sights outwards. They look at the gifts that others have been given. Sometimes, they are envious of the gifts of others. In looking outwards, however, we fail to look within. After all, it is not just the other person who is gifted, it is us as well. And while we may not have the same gifts as those around us, we have gifts of our own that, perhaps, they do not have.
If those gifts are all utilized, this world would be such a wonderful place.
Could you imagine the entire world, to a person, using the gifts that God has given to all for the benefit of others? I know that it is a foreign concept to many. However, that is what God intended.
God did not give us gifts to hoard or to steal from others. God gave us gifts so that we could work in cooperation with one another to usher in His Kingdom more fully.
It’s never too late.
If we use our gifts for the benefit of those around us, that might prompt them to do the same.
FAITH ACTION: Ask God to give you the grace to use your spiritual gift(s) today.