We’re all given spiritual gifts by God. Shawnelle Eliasen watches her son, Samuel, growing into his:
“Let me help you with that,” my 13-year-old Samuel said.
The little boy seated next to Samuel looked up. Sam’s hand curled over the child’s smaller one. Together they pushed the glue stick over the back of a John the Baptist cut-out.
We were working in the preschool room at vacation Bible school. Sam’s lanky teen body bent to fit on a toddler-sized chair. He seemed to be all elbows and knees. A boy growing big. As I watched him help the little one paste his paper figure onto a Popsicle stick, I understood that he wasn’t just growing physically strong. He was growing spiritually, too.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. (1 Peter 4:10)
Like every believer in Christ, Samuel has spiritual gifts. One of his is the gift of teaching. I recognized it long ago as he worked beside his little brothers. Even so, when he had the opportunity to provide care in the toddler room at church last fall, he was reluctant. But he said yes. And when he and I had the opportunity to help in the same room for VBS, he was a bit uncertain. But we agreed.
Isn’t this how we grow? By stretching? By pressing a little hard? By leaning into our talents and abilities and gifts and stepping forward into who we were made to be?
When Sam volunteers at church, when he spends time speaking Jesus into young hearts, he’s stretching and growing his gift. He’s using his gift to benefit others, so he’s helping to grow the body of Christ.
After all, gifts are given that they may be used. Shared. Poured on others for the glory of the Lord.
The Word tells us that spiritual gifts are given from God’s generous, varied grace. We have different gifts, but they’re from one Spirit. Serving others, using those gifts, makes us responsible. We’re wisely spending our grace-gift.
And the return is dear.
“Thanks for helping me, Mr. Sam,” the little one said that morning at VBS.
“Any time,” Samuel said.
Stretching and growing and using one’s spiritual gifts brings spiritual satisfaction.
And from Sam’s smile, it was easy to see that it also brings joy.
Lord, let me use the gifts you’ve given me to serve others today–for Your glory. Amen.
