United Lutheran

A Message From Pastor Beth

“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 activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
1 Cor. 12:4-7

In the May 24 issue of the Grand Forks Herald Devlyn Brooks wrote in his weekly column about superpowers, asking us what we think our superpower might be. While we all have dreams of leaping over tall buildings in a single bound, those aren’t the superpowers that he was referring to. Instead, he was talking about how we all have been given gifts, special gifts that we can use in service to others. These gifts are used within the body of faith, our congregation, in our local community, at work, at home and with family and friends. Most of us don’t think that we have any special gifts, but we all do. He had listed that he had discovered that listening was one of his gifts, being able to listen to people deeply in a world that seems to delight in shouting over one another or proving each other wrong. What a wonderful gift to give someone is to deeply listen to them instead of correcting them or trying to top their story with yours. 

This Bible verse reminds us that in addition to that gift are so many other kinds of gifts that are given, like the gift of hospitality, a gift that makes people feel especially welcome and valued no matter where they are or who they are. Some of you might be skilled with your hands, either building something, fixing something or even sewing things, like quilts. Some of you might be great at cooking or baking and bring your gifts to welcome someone, comfort someone or simply help a group celebrate together around a common meal. Some of us are musically or artistically talented. Some are great at organizing and/or inspiring people. Some of you are great with kids and are good at teaching. Some are great at simply volunteering for whatever needs to be done, always ready and willing to lend a hand whether it be doing dishes in the kitchen or carrying or moving something. As it is written in 1 Corinthians, there is a variety of gifts and variety is good.

The point is that we have all been given gifts by God for the benefit of the greater community. All gifts are needed. When some gifts are unused, the community suffers. Your gift is important. What gift do you think that you might have? What is your superpower?  Maybe someone in the community can help you discover what your superpower is. Maybe you can discover a new gift simply by trying something new.

Whatever your gift, know that God will equip you to use whatever gift you have in service to others and to the community. God will help you overcome any fears or obstacles that might stand in your way of using the gifts that God has given you. And, you can trust that in using your gift for others, you also will find joy. 

Blessings!