Gifts of the Spirit-Based on 1 Corinthians 12:3-13

This past week, I was reminded of the kindred spirit that all people have, especially when it comes in times of grief. Seeing all the wonderful people at my Uncle Bill’s funeral made me see people in a new light. The people who had been very important to my uncle had gathered their many gifts and contributed to the greater life that was being remembered. Some people gave gifts of money or other items to the family during the grieving process. Others gave the gift of encouragement while many of us were feeling pretty low at moments. Probably my uncle’s favorite gift was the gift of gab. He could spin tales for hours and hours if allowed to do so. Many of his former work friends were spinning a yarn for him while he lay at peace.

God has blessed our lives with many gifts. The most important gift is the gift of Christ who gives us grace and eternal salvation. Yet, we have a tendency to forget about the gift of the Holy Spirit within our lives. As believers we the faith, it is important for us to recognize that within our lives are gifts of the spirit. Throughout the New Testament, we see the examples of spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers. These are gifts that are used to draw the community of Christ together and make it stronger. The gifts of the spirit are also bestowed upon other believers through us, as their faith grows and is strengthened. For the Corinthians, they were unaware of the many other gifts that were necessary to impart for their community to grow with Christ. They were focused on the gift of tongues, but they were not doing a whole lot with it, except for themselves. Speaking in tongues still remains a gift, but it is noted in the scripture that interpretation is also necessary.

So what are the spiritual gifts that are present, or should be present in every community? Prophecy is the gift of being able to see far ahead, to see the prize and then focus our eyes on it. Service is the gift of dedicating our lives to others and to God’s creation, becoming caregivers like the Good Shepherd. Teaching is the gift of speaking with wisdom, and sharing what we and those who have gone before us have learned. Preaching is the gift of speaking with wisdom, sharing the riches of the wisdom of God. Encouraging is the gift of coaching, meaning you bring out the best in others. Healing is the gift of making people whole when they have physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual ailments. Giving is the gift of making sure that others who are doing the work of the Lord have the right resources at the right time. Leadership is the gift of showing others the right way to God. Finally, mercy is the gift of going beyond fairness, and standing up not only for justice, but also for kindness. Please understand that no single person receives all of these gifts. However, all these gifts together along with the people blessed with these gifts, make up the whole body of the Christian community.

Hearing what some of these gifts are, you can identify in your mind who has these gifts within this church. For prophecy, I look back to some of the leaders who came before us in establishing an endowment for the church. Had this not been put into effect, Dover Place would not exist as it is today. I see Rosemary Taylor as the embodiment of service, as she faithfully comes to church to work on the Digest, organize the Busy Bees, and also be the wonderful greeter on Sunday mornings. I see Deb Hazlewood and Tim Baskins as the wonderful teachers who give knowledge to our children and adults for Sunday School. Pastor Bill and Cari have the gift of preaching wonderful messages at any given time. I see Bob Petrich as a man who has encouraged this neighborhood to better itself and find new life amongst the changing world we live in. I see my mother and Aunt Jan as healing forces within my life, but also the lives they are around. Their words and ability to be healing have been amazing to the lives they have touched. I see Jackie Witt, the Hovis’, and Hazlewood Family as being givers when the church needs something that is important. They give of their time, resources, and talents in a way that is spiritually uplifting. I see Lisa Foglesong as a leader who can be misinterpreted at times, but she has a vision for the church that can be realistically carried out. Finally, I see Bert Flowers, George Fischer, and the Parker Family as ones who have the great gift of mercy. These are people who are willing to reach out to others in times of need and willing to sacrifice themselves when others are in trouble.

After hearing these examples, where do you stand with a gift to contribute? There are spiritual gift inventories that can be used in case you want to find out your spiritual gift. If you don’t know your gift, take the time to find out what it is, because you are important part to this community. Not using your spiritual gift is almost a “kick in the shins” to God. You are not making the church community a better place, nor are you reaching out to someone who needs to know God better. You don’t have to be the greatest teacher in the world, or the best preacher to save someone, but you can be a friend. Cari’s illustration this past Sunday as being rays of light to others is so important to our ministry here. Drawing in on those rays of light that have been given to us is very important, because it brings all of us closer together.

The community of Christ is as strong as long as all the tools are used to make us strong. Knowing these gifts of the spirit makes us more susceptible to sin in the world and other temptations. By building on those strengths, we are able to change others around us for the better. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is what makes this church and this community stronger. I feel blessed by your presence every week and hope that your lives will continue to grow and be blessings to others.