1 Corinthians 12:4-6 “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”
Paul begins this chapter by speaking to the church about spiritual gifts. These gifts were applied to both Jews and Gentiles. Spiritual gifts testify first and foremost that Jesus is Lord (see verse 3).
It is easy for us to look at someone else and think “I wish I had that gift!” We can also readily see that there are many gifts in the church. Some are pastors or deacons or song leaders. These are gifts that are highly visible in their administration. However, there are many other gifts that we sometimes overlook.
We all know a special someone who has a knack for being an encourager. They brighten up our day simply by their presence. While we might fail to think of it in this fashion, this is a spiritual gift. Some gifts that are viewed as common ability may also be spiritual gifts.
I recall a conversation between my Dad and an elderly sister who was a member of the congregation where he served as pastor. When we went to church, there were five of us in my immediate family plus my maternal grandparents, my aunt, and my cousin all traveling together in an old station wagon. After church every Sunday, this precious sister would have us all back to her house for lunch.
One day Dad expressed concern to her that we were too large a group for her to be cooking for all the time. I hope I never forget her response. She said, “Brother Melvin, I can’t preach, I can’t sing very well, and I’m not comfortable praying out loud. But I’m a good cook, and I have always been blessed to have enough to feed God’s people who come to my home. This is my gift.”
I realize there are people in this world who are excellent cooks that may never go to church or think about the things of God. Sometimes it is not the action of the gift, but the attitude behind it that makes it a spiritual gift. This precious sister’s heart was in every morsel that she prepared and that we enjoyed.
Whatever your gift, be thankful to God for it. Our gifts all come from the same Spirit. This sister’s gift for feeding the Lord’s people natural food came from the same source as my Dad’s gift for preaching the gospel. It is marvelous to realize that our gifts all flow from the same source.
Even though our gifts may take different forms, they are administered by the same Lord. They may have different effects, but the same God works them all and in us all. Furthermore, they are indeed the gifts of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
May we always use, rejoice in, and be thankful for the gifts of the Spirit in our lives!