Wednesday, May 16, 2018

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)

                It is a very humbling experience to play video games with one’s five-year old grandson (William). Especially when he gently takes my game controller away from me and says, “Let me do it, Grandpa.” He does it so kindly, too – no eye rolls, no sighs, no head shakes. He simply takes the controller, finishes my game task and just hands it back to me without comment. We carry on until shortly I am stuck again and we repeat the same process.  He is very patient with me.

                I have suggested that I need my own PlayStation4 so as to practice by gamesmanship. Or I foresee the conversation in a few years when he is a teenager going like this, Grandpa: “Hey, William, wanna play “Lego Batman 15”? William (as he hurriedly heads for the door): “Gee, Grandpa, I would love to but I have a math test that I want to study for.”

                Young whippersnapper!

                So, what are you really good at? What is your talent? What calls out your best effort and passion? What can you point at and get much satisfaction for its accomplishment?

                The Apostle Paul is imagining a spiritual context for his celebration of gifts within the community of believers. The observance of Pentecost (May 20) recalls the spiritual energy and vibrant creativity of the coming of God’s Holy Spirit to stimulate and animate the work and being of the Church.

                There are several lists of gifts in Paul’s writings. This would suggest that none of these lists are exhaustive, but act as reminders of the breadth of the working of God’s Spirit among us. These are not super powers, per se, but seem almost mundane and practical, even pragmatic.

For example, the list in Romans: “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” (Romans 12: 6 – 8)

Note the encouragement to do one’s very best, to give it one’s all, to throw yourself into the work, and to do it without reservation.  “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…” (2 Timothy 1:6)

I do not believe for a second that these gifts are to be used exclusively just “Inside” the church, but these are attributes which help build up others and the communities we live in. These are qualities which contribute significantly to the shaping of God’s Kingdom of Love, Justice and Peace.

Paul is quite adamant that every one is given some gift or another. No one is left on the sidelines. “However, God has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:7). These gifts and talents come in all shapes and sizes. These gifts come to young and old. These gifts are allotted to the rich and the poor. These gifts do not depend on our piety, or on our religiosity, or on our intelligence, intellect or knowledge.

Most importantly, these gifts are given so that we may help one another. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) we encourage each other, help each other, assist each other when we use the gifts of God’s Grace and Love.

Jesus knows the power of using these gifts when shared with and heart and hand: “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38).

Dale