Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
I’d like to say that my drug addiction was my only major flaw and now that I’m sober, I’ve arrived at where I’m supposed to be in life. I’ve got a lot of ongoing flaws though. Recovery – and what Christians call sanctification – are the same process in which we’re continually refined by God, daily abandoning the old life to grow into the new one. I’ll admit, I’ve been frustrated by this. Often, I’ll work on one struggle, only to recognize three more. I seem to have a never-ending list of defects.
This is normal though. We won’t be perfect in this life, and so, our options are to get worse, remain stuck where we’re at, or continually grow. We’re not all flaws and liabilities though. We do have assets and gifts. Just like we’re all weak in different areas, we’ve all got our strengths as well.
In today’s passage, Paul taught that for those who follow Christ, the Spirit of God dwells in us, bestowing certain gifts upon us. Just like we all have different flaws, we all have different areas in which we’re gifted. We’re commanded to use these gifts for the good of the kingdom, loving those around us.
In sanctification and recovery, I must daily work on my flaws. First, I must recognize them, and second, I must go to God, asking what he would have me do to abandon them. Then I must do it. This is a process which takes time and purposeful obedience. I don’t instantly or naturally just know all my flaws and what to do about them.
It’s similar with our gifts. If I asked you what your spiritual gifts are, you’d likely stare blankly at me. If you’re a follower of Christ though, you are spiritually gifted. Just like we must work on our flaws, we must work on our gifts. First, we must seek to recognize them. What am I good at? How has God shaped me so that I may help others? Second, we must daily go to God, asking how he would have us use those gifts. Then, we must do it. This will be an ongoing process of discovery, obedience, and growth. If we truly follow Christ, then we will use what he’s given us to do what he wants to love those he’s put in our path.