Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . . One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
–1 Corinthians 12:4, 11
The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to trust in Christ as our Savior. And when we are saved, the Holy Spirit also gives us a unique spiritual gift. What does that mean? Well, when you were born into this world physically, you were born with certain natural abilities. Maybe you have the ability to play an instrument or to sing. Maybe you have the ability to work with your hands. Maybe you have leadership abilities. Those are natural gifts.
But the Bible says when you were born again into the family of God, the Holy Spirit brought into your life a spiritual gift, both a desire and a unique power to be a part of God’s ministry. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12, “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . . One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (vv. 4, 11). And Paul listed some of the gifts the Holy Spirit has distributed. To some Christians, He has given the gift of prophesy–not foretelling the future but speaking God’s Word with conviction. He has given some Christians the gift of mercy, empathizing with the sorrows of other people. Other Christians have the gift of giving, the ability to multiply financial assets and use them for kingdom purposes. Still others have the gift of leadership. Every one of us has a spiritual gift.
It is no accident that “charismaton,” the Greek word for “gifts,” comes from a word that means “joy.” As a pastor, I have seen no other truth give Christians more joy than the discovery and the use of their spiritual gifts, the realization that God has empowered them in a unique way to be a part of His kingdom purpose.
I think of Pastor Ray Stedman, who said he tried to remind himself of several things when he got up in the morning. He wrote, “I remind myself that I am part of the plan of God, that God is working out all things to a great and final purpose in the earth and I am part of it. What I do today has purpose and significance and meaning. It is not just a meaningless thing that I am going to go through. Even the smallest incident, the most apparently insignificant word or relationship, is involved in that great plan. Therefore it has meaning and purpose.”
It is the Holy Spirit of God who connects you to God’s eternal purpose by imparting to you a unique spiritual gift when you are saved.
