May 27, 2012

Posted by in Articles & Essays, Religion | 1 Comment

Using Our Gifts

The particular manifestation of the Spirit
granted to each one is to be used for the general good.

To one is given from the Spirit
the gift of utterance expressing wisdom;
to another the gift of utterance expressing knowledge,
in accordance with the same Spirit;

to another, faith, from the same Spirit; and to another,
the gifts of healing, through this one Spirit;

to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy;
to another, the power of distinguishing spirits;
to one, the gift of different tongues and to another,
the interpretation of tongues.

 But at work in all these is one and the same Spirit,
distributing them at will to each individual.

~1Corinthians 12:7-11 –

Today, our church observed Pentecost Sunday. This is the time when Jesus sent his Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to the disciples.

It brought back memories of when I was confirmed. As a young girl, I can recall Sister Agnes telling me that we are all blessed with gifts from God and guided by the Holy Spirit in our use of those gifts. She asked, “What are your gifts and how are you using them to make the world a better place.”

Sister’s question is still valid today. Everyone has his or her own special gifts or talents. Some spin these into a hobby while others make them a foundation for a career.

Today, I had the privilege of reading these verses to our congregation. As I always do, I reviewed today’s readings last night. These are some of my favorite verses because they remind me to keep using my gifts from the Holy Spirit to make my corner of the world, along with those lives that I happen to touch, a bit of a better place. They remind me that one person can make a difference in the life of someone else.

How are you using your gifts?

~Karen

  1. Karen,

    Did I ever tell you that you are an answer to prayer.? Well, consider yourself told. We have just started another year of adventures, each of us using our gifts.

    Art and I have been wowed with your gifts of business, people sense and skills. You are kinda over qualified,yet from the start,the Holy Spirit brought us to the same corner of the world. You have the kitty touch,too!
    We both have some Cool Cats and you have some Hot Dogs, too!

    Our corner of the world is a better place with the part you play included.
    Thanks for being the BEST You,You Were Meant To be. One person can make a difference in the life of someone else.

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