Devotionals - Active Word - Sept. 26, 2010

Gauge your gift

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV)

In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he addresses the subject of spiritual gifts. These are supernatural abilities that are granted to the Christian by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of expanding and enriching the Body of Christ. But as we see in the verse above, they also point the way to God's will for our lives.

Notice that we're told the Spirit gives out these gifts to each individual as He wills. Our spiritual giftedness isn't random or arbitrary. It's a reflection of the Holy Spirit's will…of God's will. If a person has the gift of hospitality, it's because God wants it that way. If someone has the gift of teaching, it's because God wants it that way. And so on and so on.

Now, stay on track with this line of reasoning. God also wants these gifts to be in active use, not bottled-up or sat on. He gives one person the gift of hospitality because He wants him to be hospitable. He gave someone the gift of teaching because He wants her to teach. And the same is true of every other gift the Spirit gives (see 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and Romans 12:6-8). 

What spiritual gift have you been given? The answer will partially point you to God's will for your life. He gave you that gift, and He wants you to actively use it. It's safe to say that His will for your life will include opportunities for you to exercise your spiritual gifting. If you have the gift of mercy, God's will may involve you working at a hospital. If you've been given the gift of governing, His will might be for you to head up a corporation.

Gauge your gift. Understand what God has supernaturally put inside of you, because whatever it is, it's going to be in sync with His ultimate purpose for your life.

Think about it… 

What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?

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