Gifts Galore!

by: Chic Broersma

Why do we define the gifts of the Spirit so narrowly? Extraordinary gifts such as speaking in tongues and healing are dramatic and eye-popping. Aside from these gifts we often think of preaching, teaching, and writing.

But what about the retired fellow who fixes the wiring in the parsonage? Or the volunteer risking life and limb, high on a ladder painting the trim on the church building? Or the secretary who turns out an attractive and accurate bulletin? Or the retired farmer who uses his skills to help believers in Ghana learn how to work their lands? Or what of that member of the congregation who had the vision and daring to suggest that the construction of a new worship center was a possibility?

We may quibble and say, “Well, these are services or activities, not really gifts.” But they are also inspired by God, aren’t they? Let’s celebrate all the gifts and services that God inspires in the members of his church. Any interest, skill, gift, experience you have, dedicated to God and the service of others, is a gift to be celebrated. Don’t look down on any gift or service, however humble. Paul reminds, “. . . the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (v. 22).