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Alister Lane: What does Paul have to say about Gifts in the New Testement?

‘Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, abut it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…’ - 1 Corinthians 12: 4

‘Survivor’ TV shows have ventured beyond just islands to houses, apprentices and even cooking. The various goals involve competing against others to defeat them in order to remain as the sole ‘survivor’. Throw in maximum conflict for the viewers, because broadcasting bitchiness is a ratings winner!

We’ve heard it said that being a follower of Christ is counter-cultural and the comparison between the church and survivor shows should jump out to us as a sharp contrast. The church is called into being by Christ, and if I had to pick one word to define it, it would be communion – both with God and each other.

Paul asks the community of believers in Corinth about why they go for one gift all the time and forget the others. Is he worried they don’t fully utilise the full range of gifts? Is he looking for all members of the church to be appreciated fully alongside the others? Paul introduces a metaphor that has never been trumped. He talks about the church being a body and each member making up a unique part of it. He’s looking for unity not uniformity. It’s okay to be different from others; we should expect that because God has given us different gifts. But the fundamental paradigm is recognition of the Holy Spirit as the giver of all the gifts to those in the church.

Paul reminds his friends that the gifts they have received are not to be selfishly pursued but used for the benefit of all. The church is the place to work out what our gifts are and to employ them. We may find a talent or passion in a certain pursuit and this may translate into an academic or professional career. It is worth asking ourselves why God has given the gifts he has. Is it to give us an edge on potential rivals as we seek personal success, or is it part of enabling us to serve others together, following the example Christ showed us?

May God give us the courage to reciprocate the trust he has given to us.