Gifts of the Spirit

Second Sunday After the Epiphany

Week of January 16, 2022
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NRSV)

Devotion

Did you catch that? That is so cool! To each of us is given a manifestation of the Holy Spirit to be utilized for the common good of all creation – people and animals and the earth itself.

That gives me chills!

Each of us, friends. Every soul reading this devotion. We have already been given a manifestation of the Spirit – something real and visible and usable – to be used to serve and build up all that God has made.

It is important to discover or uncover your gift and use it. There are many wisdom-filled guides to this work and I encourage you to work your way through one to learn more about yourself, or attend a workshop or retreat dedicated to this topic. There are so many ways God can gift us, and a full exploration of that is worth your time, but I can name the litmus test for spiritual gifts: it must build up the Body of Christ. It must build up the created world which supports all life. It must build up the self in alignment with the higher calling of service to God and others.

We are blessed, and we are humbly thankful for the gifts we have been given. May we ever use them for the common good and the glory of God.

Prayer

God, we trust you and we believe you. Please give us wisdom in discerning our gifts and courage in using them. Amen.

Lindy Thompson
Lyricist and Poet
Christ United Methodist Church
Franklin, TN  

Photo: Bo Mei / Pixabay