A false belief

Laura Digan May 24, 2024 6 3

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1 Corinthians 12: 8-9 (NIVUK)

8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,

Working with many young people within my ministry I am very sensitive to the power of words. Throughout my life I’ve always felt I lacked depth, that I was what you might consider an intellectual lightweight.

And this false belief goes back to being at school when a teacher told me among other things that I was vacuous and that ‘empty vessels make the most sound.’ I remember this belittling teacher always made me feel anxious and I’d make excuses to not go to school.I was just a wee kid who was outgoing and liked a blether! But she made me feel like I was worthless. I was actually clever and insightful. I actually did really well in school and went on to gain two degrees at university and a postgraduate masters degree. But those belittling words of that teacher always haunted me.

Coming into the ministry I worried I wouldn’t have the knowledge and intellectual depth to sustain a weekly teaching ministry and care for people pastorally. I shouldn’t have worried as the Lord gives us what we need. At my moment of ordination the Holy Spirit bestowed on me the gift of Wisdom, changing me in the process. Wisdom isn’t a gift I’d have asked for but I’m forever grateful the Holy Spirit fell on me with this gift that evening.

We might wish we had specific gifts of the Spirit and some might seem more glamorous than others but we must remember that all the gifts of the Spirit come from God. Our Father God knew us before we were born so he knows which gifts are best for us, how they will benefit us, others, and his Kingdom. Trust in the Lord and trust in the gifts the Holy Spirit distributes!

Prayer:

Father God,

Thank you that I am part of your body of Christ, your church.

Thank you that all parts of your body are equally important.

Thank you for giving us all a variety of gifts, all different but all equally important.

Thank you that these gifts come from the same Spirit,

With the same purpose, to serve you and each other.

Amen