We are beloved children. God has gifted us with everything we could ever want or need - from breathtaking sunsets (and eclipses) to loving people around us. From a furry pet that delights in us, endless mysteries to explore, and most incredibly - a personal relationship with the God of the universe. All of these good gifts God gives to us so that we may delight in and enjoy them. Yet on top of all of this, the Holy Spirit comes bearing gifts as well. And these are of a slightly different nature.
As a child (and adult) I loved to lose myself in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. One of my favorite scenes was when Aslan gave the 4 human children gifts. Peter received a sword to fight with, Edmond a dagger, Susan a bow and arrow and Lucy a healing potion. These gifts were different from the other delights Narnia had to offer, because their purpose was the protection and the freedom of Narnia - they were meant to be used against evil and for good, to bring down the white witch and her troops and to strengthen Aslan’s army.
Similarly, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are meant to advance God’s kingdom, to protect, heal and edify all who are part of God’s army. It is useless to wish for the bow and arrow - the Holy Spirit knows all and we have to trust that if we receive a healing potion or a dagger - that is indeed what is needed. It is counter-productive to compare gifts and envy gifts. Our only task is to accept the gift we have been given and then use it for the very purpose God intended.
God is just and loves perfectly. The Holy Spirit is holy - meaning, without sin. Never unfair. Never trying to punish or show favoritism, but always providing the gift that is right for you. Always equipping you perfectly for both your needs and the needs of the body of Christ, which is the church. Trust the giver of the gift! God only gives the gift that is best for you!
There is no room for jealousy, pride or fear over these gifts. We are to appreciate and celebrate the differences, while fully accepting and becoming skilled at using our gifts.
What are the gifts of the spirit? There are a great variety, to meet a great many needs!
“For example: the Spirit gives to one the gift of the word of wisdom. To another, the same Spirit gives the gift of the word of revelation knowledge. And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith. And to another the same Spirit gives the gifts of healing. And to another the power to work miracles. And to another the gift of prophecy. And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking. And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit who distributes, activates, and operates these different gifts as he chooses for each believer.” (1 Corinthians 12 8-11).
You have received a gift from the Creator of the universe - do you know which one it is? And you are needed! There are a lot of struggling and hurting people around. Even before you were born, God planned in advance your destiny and the good works you would do to fulfill it! So ask the Holy Spirit to uncover your gift, accept it fully and commit to using it for the strengthening of your fellow sisters and believers in Christ. You were strategically put at this very place and given the very gift needed for such a time as this.
-Kelly Joyce (a contributing writer and member of the COBI community)