Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-7

A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church. 1 Corinthians 12:7

ERIN FIGURED that all the popular girls at school were cheerleaders, and she was starved for that kind of recognition. She practiced all the routines and tried hard to improve her coordination. But she still failed in the tryouts.

“I worked so hard, Mom,” she said. “I really wanted to make it. But I knew when I watched the others that they had the skills and I didn’t. I finished the tryout, though, because I was still determined to make the squad.”

Erin’s mom didn’t laugh off her daughter’s hurt. “You know, Erin,” she said, “you could probably make it next year if you want to. But what you said makes me think you might do better concentrating on something else. You learned from watching the other girls, and you were determined to stay in there even after you felt you couldn’t win. Those are all good things, Erin, and there’s someplace you can put those abilities to work.” After a while her mom asked if she had thought of student council, thinking that might be a good fit.

Erin gave it a try. She started attending student council meetings and volun­teered to help with school wide activities. She found she liked influencing student body life.

Erin didn’t make a mistake when she tried to be a cheerleader. She might have been miserable, though, if she’d kept trying to be something she wasn’t. And she found her best fit when she decided to be herself. She’s in a place where God can use her in meaningful ways as she seeks to befriend others.

God has equipped each of us with a special ability to serve others in a unique way. If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit has a unique way he wants to express the love of God through you. It’s your “spiritual gift.” And that spiritual gift God gives you goes even beyond other talents and skills you have to offer others. It helps others at a deeper level.

That’s a truth you accept by faith-in other words, God said it, so you believe it’s true even if you can’t see right now exactly what your gift is. You can anticipate God bringing it out as you learn how to share your life with others.

Your gifts make you significant not only to God but also to each other. Whether you realize it or not, you are a vital part of God’s plan. No one else can do what God has planned for you to do.

REFLECT: How are you trying to fit in? Are you looking for your best fit­ or someone else’s?

PRAY: Ask God to show you the gifts you have to offer your world.

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