Pastoral - Open Letter: "Gifts"

Dear Providence,

It's an honor to write this letter to you on the topic of spiritual gifts. May our hearts praise the One who gave Himself for us so that we can enjoy the greatest gift; Jesus Christ! Yes, Jesus Christ, the One from whom all life, love, and goodness flow is fully ours and we are wholly His. There is no greater gift.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…” Ephesians 1:3

The Father has given to us as an overflow of His love for us, in Christ. This gift is not wrapped up and delivered to your doorstep one time. The gift of Christ is a lifetime of abundant grace, and takes an eternity to unwrap and explore. We are not called to try and earn this gift from Him. Instead, we are simply to receive Him, to receive the good news of the gospel and in Him all other gifts are bestowed on us.

And by the grace of God that we individually receive certain gifts from His Spirit to play a role in His unfolding plan.

Knowing this, each of us has been equipped with certain gifts to love, serve and build one another up for the glory of God. Therefore, we must not let our gifts become a distraction from the Giver Himself by finding identity or confidence in the gifts themselves. Instead, we must use them to edify the body and put Christ on display.

Comparison is a thief of joy. How easy it is to desire someone else's gifts.

For example, "I wish I could speak like him. I wish I could teach like her."

Sure, Kort’s preaching of the Word of God is important and his gift is unique. However, in the same way the gift of hospitality empowered by the Holy Spirit in the front door greeter and the gift of compassion in a child care volunteer are just as important because they pave the way for guests to receive the Word of God. How many hearts have been prepared to receive the preached Word by a servant in God’s kingdom that we hardly even notice? Only eternity will reveal the treasures that serve among us every Sunday.

Providence, we all work together to make the gospel unignorable in our city! We must always remember that we are on the same team; a family united by the blood of Christ.

As 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says,

"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 empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Father, we pray that You would help us by the power of Your Spirit to use the gifts You have given us in order to build one another up in love and above all glorify Your Name. Help us to stay focused on Your purpose and function as a body, working together in unity for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Love,

Grant and Kelli Cupstid