Worship the Giver, Not the Gift
Adapted from: The Giver, Not the Gift by Justin Hornsby
Have you ever found yourself at the center of attention, only to realize that the moment wasn't really about you? Imagine standing at the altar on your wedding day, all eyes on your radiant bride, and suddenly shouting, "Hey, why y'all looking at her? Turn around and look at me!" It sounds absurd, right? Yet, how often do we make life about ourselves, seeking the spotlight for our talents and achievements? The truth is, life is not about us. It's about something greater. It's about worshiping the Giver, not the gift.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul addresses the church in Corinth, a community that had lost its focus. They were caught up in their spiritual gifts, using them to elevate themselves above others. Paul reminds them—and us—that the true test of spirituality is not the gifts we possess, but the confession that Jesus is Lord. This confession is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and it is the foundation of our faith.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
Paul's message to the Corinthians is clear: spiritual gifts are given by God for the common good. They are not a measure of our worth or spirituality. Instead, they are manifestations of God's grace, meant to build up the church and glorify Him. Each believer is given a unique gift, and together, we form a diverse and unified body of Christ.
The gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation—are just a few examples. The key is not to focus on the gifts themselves, but on the Giver. God, in His infinite wisdom, distributes these gifts as He wills, empowering us to serve one another and advance His kingdom.
Living a Life of Worship
So, how do we shift our focus from the gifts to the Giver? It starts with recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. Our talents, our families, our careers—these are all blessings meant to point us back to Him. When we worship the Giver, we find true joy and fulfillment, not in being the center of attention, but in standing in awe of the One who is.
To live a life of worship, we must use our gifts for the good of others. This means serving in our local church, encouraging fellow believers, and sharing the love of Christ with those around us. It's about putting ourselves last and others first, just as Jesus did.
Taking the Next Step
The question for you today is: Who is the focus of your life? Have you confessed and believed that Jesus is your Lord? If not, I invite you to make that confession today. If you have, then ask yourself how you can use your gifts to serve others and glorify God.
Consider taking a spiritual gifts test to discover how God has uniquely equipped you. Then, find a way to serve in your church or community. Remember, it's not about you—it's about Jesus. Worship the Giver, not the gift.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians is as relevant today as it was then. We are called to worship the Giver, not the gift. Our spiritual gifts are not about us; they are about serving others and glorifying God. By focusing on Jesus, the true Lord of our lives, we find the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life centered on Him. So, let's use our gifts for the common good, keeping our eyes on the One who gave them to us.
Have you ever found yourself at the center of attention, only to realize that the moment wasn't really about you? Imagine standing at the altar on your wedding day, all eyes on your radiant bride, and suddenly shouting, "Hey, why y'all looking at her? Turn around and look at me!" It sounds absurd, right? Yet, how often do we make life about ourselves, seeking the spotlight for our talents and achievements? The truth is, life is not about us. It's about something greater. It's about worshiping the Giver, not the gift.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul addresses the church in Corinth, a community that had lost its focus. They were caught up in their spiritual gifts, using them to elevate themselves above others. Paul reminds them—and us—that the true test of spirituality is not the gifts we possess, but the confession that Jesus is Lord. This confession is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and it is the foundation of our faith.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
Paul's message to the Corinthians is clear: spiritual gifts are given by God for the common good. They are not a measure of our worth or spirituality. Instead, they are manifestations of God's grace, meant to build up the church and glorify Him. Each believer is given a unique gift, and together, we form a diverse and unified body of Christ.
The gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation—are just a few examples. The key is not to focus on the gifts themselves, but on the Giver. God, in His infinite wisdom, distributes these gifts as He wills, empowering us to serve one another and advance His kingdom.
Living a Life of Worship
So, how do we shift our focus from the gifts to the Giver? It starts with recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. Our talents, our families, our careers—these are all blessings meant to point us back to Him. When we worship the Giver, we find true joy and fulfillment, not in being the center of attention, but in standing in awe of the One who is.
To live a life of worship, we must use our gifts for the good of others. This means serving in our local church, encouraging fellow believers, and sharing the love of Christ with those around us. It's about putting ourselves last and others first, just as Jesus did.
Taking the Next Step
The question for you today is: Who is the focus of your life? Have you confessed and believed that Jesus is your Lord? If not, I invite you to make that confession today. If you have, then ask yourself how you can use your gifts to serve others and glorify God.
Consider taking a spiritual gifts test to discover how God has uniquely equipped you. Then, find a way to serve in your church or community. Remember, it's not about you—it's about Jesus. Worship the Giver, not the gift.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians is as relevant today as it was then. We are called to worship the Giver, not the gift. Our spiritual gifts are not about us; they are about serving others and glorifying God. By focusing on Jesus, the true Lord of our lives, we find the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life centered on Him. So, let's use our gifts for the common good, keeping our eyes on the One who gave them to us.
Posted in New Testament
Posted in Corinthians, Worship, Spiritual Gifts, Sacrament, Preach, Teach, Church, Gather, Growth, Community, Believers, Glory, Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Discernment, Serve, Empowerment, Apostle, Faith
Posted in Corinthians, Worship, Spiritual Gifts, Sacrament, Preach, Teach, Church, Gather, Growth, Community, Believers, Glory, Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Discernment, Serve, Empowerment, Apostle, Faith
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