There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. There are different ways of serving, but the same LORD is served. There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to everyone for their particular service. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all. The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same spirit gives a message full of knowledge. One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and yet to another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Are you using your gifts? To every follower of Christ at least one gift is given. These God-given abilities are bestowed so that the church can function effectively and grow stronger. We are to use our gifts, whether it is in teaching, encouraging, or helping others in all service to Christ.When we don't use our talents and treasures, the ministry of our church is incomplete, and its outreach and effectiveness are crippled.

Our Daily Bread - September 2, 2001