Spiritual Gifts . . . One Design Never Fits All

Week 39, Thursday

Rhonda Kelley

Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next, miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret? But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 (hcsb)

My husband thinks one pair of sandals is all he needs because to Chuck all sandals are alike. We ladies know that all sandals are not created equal. That is why we must have many pairs of sandals in different styles and colors. All of them are shoes that cover and protect our feet, but they come in many different varieties. Just like shoes, spiritual gifts are varied because one design never fits all!

In the primary biblical passages about spiritual gifts, numerous gifts are mentioned. Though these lists are lengthy, they are not complete. Take time to read Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10,27-31; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:9-10. God’s gifts are diverse, designed uniquely for each believer. The gifts of helps, mercy, giving, and healing are given to certain believers so they can serve others. The gifts of wisdom, knowledge, instruction, and leadership are given for teaching. Prophecy, discernment, exhortation, and shepherding are given for worship. Faith, evangelism, apostleship, and miracles are given for witnessing. Many more gifts are designed by God to fit His purposes.

No spiritual gift is greater than another and none is less. When given by God, each gift is perfect. The Christian’s responsibility is to discover the spiritual gifts she has received. As you discover your own spiritual gifts, you will find the design fitted by God just for you!

Dear Lord, You are infinite in wisdom and knowledge. You know me from the inside out. Therefore, I am confident that You alone know exactly the spiritual gifts that will fit me personally and suit Your purposes perfectly. Thank You for choosing spiritual gifts just for me! In Your precious name, amen.