“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).Rick Warren states: “The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose.”*He’s onto something. For some people, death is most certainly a tragedy. For God’s people, however, it is … Continue reading Tragedy: a life without purpose
spiritual gifts
God entrusts us with certain potential
“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12: 5). If you had the ability to give someone a special talent or gift—like, for example, the ability to fly—wouldn’t you expect them to use it? I’m sure you would. Well, God gives us special talents or gifts. And I’m sure he … Continue reading God entrusts us with certain potential
Not just for official religious people
There are different lists of “spiritual gifts” in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Each Christian has at least one gift. These are given to God’s people to benefit “the common good.” But hold on a minute. What is … Continue reading Not just for official religious people
If we are unkind, our pants are on fire
Spiritual growth is a good thing. We like progress. It reassures us that we’re heading in the right direction. There is, however, a danger. Something can creep in. It’s a sense of spiritual superiority. “I can’t believe so-and-so didn’t know what book of the Bible that story was from.” “That person should have done such-and-such … Continue reading If we are unkind, our pants are on fire
Your spiritual gift
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them… Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (verses 4, 7). In a profound passage, Paul explains how God gives spiritual gifts to all Christians. If you are a follower … Continue reading Your spiritual gift
What’s a sundial in the shade?
Benjamin Franklin said, “Hide not your talents, they for use were made / What’s a sundial in the shade?” It’s a great reminder that we should use the talents God has given to us. They contribute to the positive impact we can make in the world. Writing in Ephesians 2:10, Paul said, “we are God’s … Continue reading What’s a sundial in the shade?
