Theme:   Elevate: Next Level Spiritual Growth - Making a Difference

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

Read:   I Corinthians 14:6-12

Think:  Do you remember the sitcom Frasier?  It’s a favorite of mine, and I particularly enjoyed one Christmas episode.  In it, Frasier’s son Frederick arrives on Christmas Eve dreaming of the Outlaw Laser Robo Geek he has written to Santa about.  But Frasier has gone to great lengths to get educational gifts for his six-year-old boy, including a microscope and a chemistry set.  Realizing his mistake and sad that it is too late to get Frederick the right gift, Frasier exchanges gifts with his own father, from whom he receives the perfect present – an Outlaw Laser Robo Geek.

Maudlin Christmas stories always warm my heart, and I suppose there is a nice ‘true meaning of Christmas’ moral in this one.  But I relate the story here for a different reason.  The gift Frasier received from his father reminds me of an important point that Pastor Ben made on Sunday about the spiritual gifts we receive.  You see, the Outlaw Laser Robo Geek wasn’t meant for Frasier to enjoy for himself.  It was provided so that he could pass it on to someone else.

Similarly, God gives spiritual gifts to those who accept his gift of salvation through Jesus.  These spiritual gifts are not given for the benefit of the individual.  Their primary purpose is the building up of the entire Church, the Body of Christ.  The gifts we are given are meant to be shared with others. 

Paul makes this point in the scripture passage for today.  In it, he urges the Christians at Corinth to ‘excel in gifts that build up the church’ (verse 12).  Such gifts are given to all Christians, and it is our privilege to use them in furtherance of God’s kingdom.  Accept your gift, and share it with others.

Do:  Can you think of someone you know who shares their spiritual gifts?  Maybe you want to say ‘thanks’.  Even better, commit to following their example.

Pray:  Father God, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you in building up the Body of Christ.  Thank you, too, for the unique way you have gifted me to make my contribution.  Show me how to use the spiritual gifts you’ve given me, and strengthen me to be effective in doing so.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.