~ Spiritual Gifts ~

[Lani]

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 http://www.christianityoasis.com/bible/ ... ld_lookup=

"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1Corinthians 12:7 (NRSV)


Once while teaching a Sunday School class, I asked the children if they knew who enjoyed the fruits of the fruit tree - the tree itself, or the one who planted it. The children knew that the tree produces good fruit not for its own enjoyment but for others. If we apply this analogy to ourselves, we see that our gifts from God are not meant simply for our own enjoyment either. God's word says that our gifts are for the benefit of all; they are "for the common good."

The gifts we have indeed come from God, given to us so that we can use them for others. Unfortunately, we sometimes lose sight of this truth when we use our gifts to promote ourselves. Sometimes we use them to chase after riches, recognition, or other self-centered ambitions. Then, like a tool in the hands of the wrong master, our gifts are not used for God's purposes.

When we use our gifts apart from God's intent, whatever we achieve will amount to nothing. But,when we use them for God's glory, we become a part of the work that the Spirit is doing.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us see how we can use our gifts to build up your church. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: Sunday School Teachers

Thought for the Day: Consider a spiritual inventory - what gifts you have been given and how you use them.



Story shared by: S.W. Siang (Malaysia)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 6/11/11