Conversation Point

In This Moment

Gifts, Service and Working

We talk a lot about gifts these days. Not the concrete, boxed version, but about gifts as a manifestation of the unexpected, but greatly appreciated and valued. Time to relax, a visit from a loved one, a simple sunset, all gifts to enrich lives overspent or undernourished. Implied, but not always labeled as such, these are all gifts from God that carry the imprint of the Giver's love and grace.

Spiritual gifts are another topic of conversation altogether. As people of faith we move through our spiritual journeys in different stages, continuing to develop and learn as we grow in our beliefs. Each time we bump up against our desire to understand our purpose, we open ourselves to exploring the gifts God gave us to work that purpose out as part of God's creative process here on earth. Just as a Christmas present left in the box serves no purpose, a gift from God left ignored or unused leaves us stagnated, stuck in a moment in our lives meant to be a stepping stone, not an eternal resting place. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians gives us a framework to understand how to appreciate the gifts we are given as a part of how the whole body of Christ works as a community: "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 working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (I Corinthians 12:4-7)

The Bible talks about the varieties of gifts Paul mentions, and he goes on to talk about wisdom, knowledge and a host of other gifts God shares with us. Backing up a moment, it is important we are each clear about the definition of a gift. A gift is something we are given, even something viewed as a natural talent. Although gifts given between human beings sometimes come with unseen expectations, God's gifts do not. God's gifts to us are always given with no strings attached, no expectations of how we will use them, or whether we will use them at all. It's our choice to squander them, hold onto them for our own use, or share them in ways that follow God's intent for purpose and service in the world. If we didn't have that choice, free will would be a farce. But a gift left unopened or unused leaves us stuck, defying the opportunity to know and understand purpose more fully. As a child I desperately wanted a pair of soft blue shoes for my birthday, never expecting to receive them. When I opened the box that contained them, I couldn't believe my eyes. But, so afraid to scuff them, I never knew the joy of wearing them before my feet moved on to the next size.

Varieties of service, giving back what we have been given, takes some discernment, as well as some clarity regarding on Whose behalf we are applying our gifts. Many talk shows discuss service to the community and the world very easily these days, particularly following the devastating hurricanes the United States has suffered this fall. The dialogue is timely. We are not all Oprah Winfrey, creating a culture-shaping forum. This is one woman's way of service that has changed lives for the better. Service isn't only about volunteering your time, and I believe that people frequently assume that that is the case. Service is about returning what you have been given, by way of gift from God, back to God's people. Ms. Winfrey has certainly done that in her work. Dr. Wayne Dyer talks about living the song that is inside ourselves, about not dying with our music still in us. Our purpose, our service, is that song. And we sing this song back to God.

The classifieds concur with Paul, in that there are indeed many varieties of work. God sees work as valuable, a contribution to building and growing communities of faith and the body of Christ as a whole. Some work is more interesting and creative than other types, but those are values we place on tasks we may find more pleasurable than basic chores or necessary tasks in which we al must share. Each piece of work, however small, boring, mundane or downright nasty, has a purpose in creation, and is connected to our purpose as part of the body of Christ. I do my best to remember this whenever I change cat litter. Somehow this is part of my service package.

There is something rather mysterious and exciting about unwrapping these gifts over time, through years of practice in understanding and using them in all kinds of life events and circumstances. My personal experience has taught me to always wear the shoes right out of the box, appreciate that Oprah has a different way of service than me and that changing cat litter comes with the territory of loving cats. God's gifts are given freely, but not without purpose or ways to work out that purpose in full, meaningful ways. Perhaps the sunsets, loving relationships and time to enjoy them are reminders of the Source of all gifts.

Until next time, God's blessings.

posted by Cory L. Kemp @ 8:52 PM