OUR GIFTS
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those that will be of real help to the whole church." 1 Corinthians 14:12 NLT

I'm sure you've seen the 'spiritual gifts' tests that have circulated for many years.

Maybe you've even taken one.

Maybe you've taken each and every one that's floated past.

Maybe you're still hoping to take the one that will direct you to the 'gift' you are really wanting.

The gift that, in your thinking, fits more to you.

A gift that looks good on you and your personality?

A gift that makes you sound good to others?

A gift that makes sense of the past you've tried so hard to run from?

A gift that comes easy to you?

A gift that always brings applause your way because it's done effortlessly?

A gift that matches those little tests you've taken that assign you a certain color or a certain animal type, much like the mystic religions, insuring you needn't change anything at all about yourself?

I've been there, I've done that, I'm guilty as charged!

And yet our verse this morning states clearly that what I should be wanting with my whole heart is what will most impact the Church, not just my church, but the Church.

It has nothing to do with me really. Well, nothing besides my obedience in doing it. And the attitude of heart and mind I do it with.

To say with an honest heart that I most want the gift that will increase the Church is a hard prayer to pray considering I do not know where the growing of that gift inside me might lead.