Read: I Corinthians 12:1-26
Think: Paul is a thoughtful teacher. Before he rattles off a short, descriptive list of many of the spiritual gifts that God gives to each believer, he realizes that gifts can create jealousy and competition, so he offers a few disclaimers. First he says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.” Second he reminds the church of the primary reason they have been given a spiritual gift saying, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” Finally, after listing the gifts, he reminds them, “It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.”
Act: When I met Roger Tirabassi, he was the Campus Life (YFC) director at the local high school. He recruited and trained volunteer leaders to work with high school students in our community. At the first staff retreat I attended, we all took a “Spiritual Gifts” test so that each of us would know the distinction between the spiritual gifts, identify the one(s) God had given to us, and understand how to best use them to serve God and work efficiently as a team. It was so exciting to find out what spiritual gifts God had given each of us! As you read today in I Corinthians 12, highlight each of gifts listed in this passage. If you have never taken a Spiritual Gifts test, click here to an online Adult Spiritual Gifts test, or click here for a shorter, Student Spiritual Gifts test. When finished, you will receive a print-out of your spiritual gift(s). Feel feel to let me and Roger know what gift(s) God has given you by emailing me at becky@viewpointchurch.org — please know that we’ll be delighted for you to use your spiritual gift(s) at Viewpoint church!
Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for my spiritual gift of ______________________. Help me to grow in my understanding of this gift. Show me how I can best serve you in my church using this gift. I’m excited to grow and serve you more and more, Lord! Amen.
Be full of faith today!
