Open the Box
1 Corinthians 12:4–11

 T HERE ARE different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. God has dispersed around this congregation a vast variety of gifts, talents, abilities. We’re going to have a little fun; I want you to call out gifts/talents you have witnessed being used in our church.

■ Advisors
■ Childcare
■ Cleaners
■ Cooks
■ Computer people
■ Decorators
■ Encouragers
■ Game players
■ Inviters
■ Landscapers
■ Leaders
■ Librarian
■ Listeners
■ Maintenance
■ Musicians — piano, singing, bells
■ Organizers
■ People who are present with people
■ Pray-ers
■ Preachers
■ Projection people
■ Sound people
■ Safety team
■ Teachers
■ Treasurer
■ Videographers
■ Visionaries

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I’M SURE WE DIDN’T NAME every possible gift — I’m not sure we could — but that’s quite a list. So here’s another question for you. Without people in the church using their gifts what state/situation would this congregation be in? Let’s pray, thanking God for all these different gifts put to use in this congregation.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the gifts and the talents You have given the men, women, girls and boys of this congregation. Help us to encourage one another and support one another to use our gifts and talents for Your glory in Jesus’ name AMEN!

Sometimes we think those who can sing have much more to offer God than our measly talents. Or, maybe you question if you have any gifts at all! I get that. It’s often easier to see the talents/gifts of others than to see our own special gifts. Our talents may be few — these may be small — but unto God is due our best, our all. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

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IN YOUR BULLETIN is a large gift box. 

(Those at home, draw a box like the one on the screen or simply have a piece of paper handy.) Here’s what I want you to do, draw or write about gifts God has given you. And because we often fail to recognize or properly value our gifts, I suggest that people sitting near you add a gift they see in you and you in them. (Do this however you are comfortable with COVID concerns.) Now, I want you to take the paper home and post it where you will see it each day this week. Add to it as you recognize other gifts God has given you. Let’s spend time in prayer thanking God for recognizing your godly gifts.

God of love and of life, give us the perception we need to look within ourselves and discover where our strengths and interests lie. Guide us in realizing our gifts. Give us the courage to show others their talents. Direct us in a way that best uses our unique combination of gifts. We ask this through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

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NOW TO EACH ONE, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. There are gifted athletes who use their abilities to win competitions and maybe make money for themselves and enjoy being famous. There are other gifted athletes who also use their gifts to coach others the sport. We are to be like the latter.

The gifts you wrote down in your gift box, listed on your piece of paper, are given not just for you to enjoy for yourself but to use for the good of people around us.

You might be thinking about your involvement in this faith community come February after I retire. I know how it is, I’ve seen it many times before. A pastor leaves and people think they, too, can take time off. They can withhold using their gifts. They will hang back until a new pastor is in place.

Here’s the thing. Look again at your list of gifts. How lacking will this congregation be in the months ahead without your specific gifts — given by the Lord for the common good? What will the health of this congregation be if you withhold what God has given you? How will this congregation be nourished through your gifts?

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I INVITE YOU TO PRAY about your gifts, using your hands.

     ■ First, cup hands together in front of you as if holding water in them. With your imagination put into your hands some of the gifts God has built into you — gifts you listed in your gift box.

     ■ With your hand still cupped, raise them to God. While your hands are raised, thank God for these gifts.

     ■ Hold your cupped hands out as if offering what is in them to the world. While hands are in this position, promise God to use our gifts to love and take care of others.

     ■ Fold your hands in prayer. Pray for God to help you use all these gifts wisely and lovingly.

Gift-giving God, help us serve others with our gifts and in so doing build up your kingdom

Offering
God of Grace, Giver of Gifts, bless us we pray as we seek to respond to your gift of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Benediction
Give thanks to God for all that God has given and all that God is giving.

— Keith Cardwell   

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