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Devotions

Everyone is Gifted

Some schools and universities participate in talent search activities that help them come into contact with people who fit into their gifted and talented programs. They contact elementary schools asking them to invite students making superior test scores to participate in additional testing to identify the best of the best and brightest. They are looking for the truly gifted.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul informs his readers in chapter 4 that Christ has given gifts to everyone who is member of His Body, which is the Holy Christian Church. Paul is careful to point out that each person is uniquely gifted according to the purpose and wish of Christ. Jesus does not explain through Paul’s writing why certain people received certain gifts or in the amounts they have received, he simply states that each person is gifted. God does what he does, as Jesus told the people of his day, so that

John 9:7
“ . . . the work of God might be displayed.”

In later verses, Paul explains that certain people have been gifted to be pastors, teachers, apostles and evangelists so that they might raise up and train people in the Body of Christ to be of service. In being of service, the Gifted People of Christ build up the Body of Christ so that it might be all God intended it to be. Each person does his or her part as he or she is gifted. Thus, the Body of Christ does the best when every person uses his or her gifts in service to the Body. Everyone in the Body is truly gifted.

Every person reading this devotion is gifted. Everyone of us is called to use the gifts we have been given. It is not a question of if we are gifted, but how we are gifted and how we can use our gifts to serve the Body.

As people who support family members and friends who have developmental disabilities, it is important for us to see our family and friends as gifted people—gifted by Christ for service in the Body, so that “the work of God might be displayed.” Again, it is not if, but how one is gifted. We help our family and friends learn of their gifts, be trained for service, and then get to work using the gifts. We and our family and friends are truly gifted—gifted by Christ for faith, life and service.

Dear Father, your Son, in His wisdom, has gifted each of us for service in the Body of Christ regardless of our perceived abilities. Give us the wisdom and discipline to use our gifts. Give us the wisdom and discipline to lift up family and friends so they may use their gifts in service to the Body of Christ. May the Holy Christian Church be strengthened and built up as You bless the use of our gifts. In the name of Your Son, Amen.