Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7

You are gifted. You have talent. You have a special ability that when uncovered can shed a little bit of light in some darkened corner of the world. Some people are gifted athletes. Others are gifted students. There are people who are just naturally gifted communicators, carpenters, or competitors. When you are gifted at something, it means that you have been given a talent that allows you to accomplish certain tasks easily and proficiently. However, we tend to assume that gifts we have received have been conferred upon us for our own good. Like receiving a birthday or Christmas present, we assume the gift is for us. But God does not give gifts for our own benefit; God gives gifts with a much wider receivership in mind. We are gifted for the common good of the world. We are given gifts intended for the benefit of all creation. We have been blessed to be a blessing.

What gift do you possess that God intends for you to share with others?

Lord, when I find I have a talent, I begin to think of ways to utilize that talent for my own gain. Yet again, my thinking is so small and Your ways are so expansive! The gifts You have offered me are not mine alone, but rather are intended to be shared for the good of all around me. In Jesusname, I pray. AMEN.