"For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
1 Corinthians 12:8-11
I like the discussion of these spiritual gifts, given to us by God. I think sometimes, because we talk about them as "gifts," that we think there is no work involved... God either gives you faith, or interpretation, or he doesn't, and it is mostly just an effortless thing for you, if you have the gift. While I do think that we all have things that are easier or harder for us, I don't think any of them come with zero effort. That's why God encourages us to use our talents, and not to bury them.
Spiritual gifts and talents are given to us to use to make the world around us, our communities and families and relationships better... to lift each other us, and help even our enemies. If we go out and do good with them, then we're practicing and multiplying and making the talent better at the same time we're making the world better.
Even though it is also a tempting thought, I also don't think that we can get off the hook by saying that we aren't good at something or that God didn't give us that gift. He tells us to seek earnestly the best gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31 / D&C 46:8-9), and we can work with him to learn whatever is important to us.
Today, let's practice using our gifts to make the world a better place, and let's remember that God is ready to teach us more. Let's talk with him and tell him what is on our wishlist, and that we are willing to work for. :)
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