Diversities of Gifts

First Corinthians 12:4 reads, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."  I love that idea.  That entire chapter is a great one.  It lists many of the gifts of the spirit, and explains that they are divided "to every man severally as he will."  We have all been given gifts of the spirit.  The question then becomes, how are we making use of our gifts?



Could a gay orientation be considered a gift?  Personally, I don't think so.  I think of it more as a trait.  A gift would be more like the ability to empathize with others who have troubles.  Or the ability to gain knowledge quickly through research and study.  Or having particularly skill at coordinating words in a document.  Some could be impressive ("the working of miracles") and others could be more personal and discreet (a testimony "that Jesus is the Lord").

But they are all necessary.  We are all important.  That's another point in chapter 12.  In verse 14 it states, "For the body is not one member, but many."  Which is more important, the eyes or the hands.  I'd rather not lose either, but keep both to work together.  Which members of the church are more important, the straight oriented or the gay oriented?  I think the Lord doesn't want to lose either.  I think that's why the church produced the Love One Another site.  The members of the church should work together like body parts, and everyone has an important role.

Thinking about your own life, can you identify some of your gifts?  How have you used them to help better yourself and bless those around you?