Gifted

I’m not much of a football fan. My wife, Robbie, isn’t really one either—unless the Kansas City Chiefs make it to the playoffs. Since that’s her hometown team, when they’re in, she’s all in! And that means I’m all in!

Of course, we were disappointed by the Super Bowl results last month, but on the whole, it’s been exciting to watch Patrick Mahomes over the last few years. That guy can run, he can throw, and he thinks incredibly fast on his feet. If you looked up the definition of gifted in the dictionary, you’d think his picture would be right there.

But is that what it means to be gifted?

A few months ago, our church offered a class on spiritual gifts. It started with a simple but profound question: What does it mean to be gifted?

We use the word in many ways. Patrick Mahomes is certainly talented, and there’s no doubt he works hard to develop his skills.

But from a biblical perspective, what does it really mean to be gifted?

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul tells us that each of us has been given some sort of spiritual gift. In other words, we are all gifted. He goes on to list a few examples—some are given wisdom, some faith, some the ability to bring healing, and others the power to perform mighty deeds. But most scholars agree that Paul’s list isn’t meant to be exhaustive.

In verse 7, Paul writes: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

In other words, these gifts aren’t meant for us to keep to ourselves—they are meant to be used for the good of others.

This shifts the question from, What does it mean to be gifted? to In what way are you gifted? And, more importantly, How are you using the gifts God has given you?

Let us pray:  We thank You, O God, for Your Spirit at work within us. I pray for those who need You near today. We ask for healing, for peace, and for Your grace. And even as we are being healed, empower us to be instruments of Your love. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.