Tear It Open!!

“Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”

1 Corinthians 14:12 (NIV)

Passage Reading: 1 Corinthians 12

I recently celebrated a birthday. One of my sons celebrates his soon as well. Along with our ages, there are GREAT differences in the way we celebrate; take opening those beautifully adorned packages. I like to savor the moment, if you will. My son, on the other hand, just tears right into it! You see, his excitement cannot be contained!

Our Scriptures this week are for those of us who love to receive gifts. However, unlike the parcels that little children receive and are tossed quickly to grab the next package, these offerings are eternal. These have been sought after and purchased with a great price. They are individually designed just for the recipient and tailored to their attributes. And best of all, they are from the greatest gift-giver ever! After such a description, can you imagine not wanting to tear into it yourself?

Alas, that is what many of us do. You see, God has given to each of His children individual Spiritual gifts to use for His kingdom. Unfortunately, many Christians never take the opportunity to seek God’s detailed intention for their position in His plan. In other words, they never see that a gift has been placed in front of them. Yet others discover their gift only to be at a complete loss or terrified as to how to use it. It is as if they have received a tool or other foreign object, smiled and said, “Thank you so much – what is it?!” And still others receive their gift, acknowledge its power, and then misuse it to glorify “self” or create dissention within the church. How sad each of these situations would be!

If one of these groups describes you, will you begin anew today? You have a gift from God! Although one may be given the gift for teaching, another may have the gift of prophecy, hospitality, or others. One is not better than the other, only different.(1 Cor. 12:12) Let us not be jealous of each other’s gifts, (1 Cor. 12:19) for you are unique – God created you as such. And, just as He created your uniqueness, He equipped you for His designed purpose. It is for this reason that He has chosen your specific gift.

If you are not sure as to how to discover your gift, your pastor or other Bible teacher will certainly be able to assist you in the process. We are giving our congregation just this opportunity within the next months as we begin a full study of this very powerful topic. I encourage you to schedule an appointment with your pastor today if this interests you as well!

Yes, just thinking about the way that children rip apart shining packages and brightly colored bows excites me! So, my dear friend, look! You have a gift! Tear it open!

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