I
would like to share with you one of my reflections from my daily devotions.
Today, I realized that we often confuse spiritual gifts with talents. Not that I
will explain to you the difference, for I do not think I will be able to do a
good job at it. However, I will let you see the difference through my own
experience.
There
are different Kinds of gifts, but the same spirit. There are different kinds of
service, but the same Lord (I Corin 12:4). The gifts are given for the common
good (I Corin 12:7).
God
has given us different kinds of gifts and we all have to identify those gifts
in our spiritual walk with him. What kinds of gifts are we talking about here?
We always talk about them, and people mistake them for talents. Here are the
kinds of gifts the Bible talks about in I Corin 12:7-11:
The
message of WISDOM, the message of KNOWLEDGE, FAITH, HEALING, MIRACULOUS POWERS,
PROPHECY, distinguishing between SPIRITS, speaking in different kinds of TONGUES,
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES and others. These are all the work of one spirit and
he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
Not
everyone has been given the same gift, and God has assigned to each individual,
a gift. We can’t all be apostles, prophets, healers, people who speak in
tongues, nor interpret, but we can all eagerly wait for God’s gifts to emerge
in us.
However,
just because you do not have the other gifts, it does not mean you are not a
part of Christ’s body.
I
have found that with understanding of God’s word, I have been able to acquire
knowledge of how he wants us to live our lives in these modern times. I have
come to understand how he wants us to win the battles of the spirit and flesh.
Through
that knowledge, I have been given wisdom to speak to those I meet and to
witness to my age mates. Through this experience, I have been able to glow,
smile and laugh every day, because God’s love is shining bright in my heart. I
have been able to give counsel to my friends, and some have said I should
become a counselor Others have said I should write a book, and I believe God
has given me WISDOM. THAT’S MY GIFT.
I
remember that as a child, God always put it in my heart to do the right thing,
although I didn't always follow him. I didn't know it was him leading me. I didn't really know him till Age 18. I told my mentor, who today is the director
of my High School, Mrs. Anderson, Lois that, I wanted to become a Christian
when those around me began living out what they preached. I want them to set
the example. She told me “You don’t have to wait for them to set the example.
You yourself can be the example for others to follow.” I will never forget that
statement as long as I live.
From
that day on, I decided to live my life, based on what I told people. Over
years, the things I have done based on that decision have strengthened my walk
with God. Though, there are some places I wish I could go back and change how I
conducted the situation, I rejoice in the LORD. For if things had been
different, I would not have now what I needed to serve God.
Listen
to the Holy Spirit. Let God have his way in you and let him speak to you with
that gentle small voice. Do not just give because it is hard. If you quit now,
you will forever be a quitter. You will never find it in your heart to be brave
enough to fight. But if you allow yourself to take those blows, you will become
stronger, because he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. You are
stronger than you think.
Embark
on a journey to discover your gift. You may have a talent, but what’s your
gift. You can be an athlete, singer, musician, writer, dancer and many more,
but what’s your spiritual gift. When you find that gift, it will enable you to
use your talent and serve God. It will give you the most inexplicable you.
All
you need is patience, self-control, endurance and perseverance as you walk with
God and hold unto his hand. As Richard Swindoll puts it, you will be able to “LAUGH
AGAIN.”
