09/16/2014 or Head, Shoulders, Knees or Toes? Which Part of the Body of Christ Are You?

"Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers?
Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing?
Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts." -1 Cor 12:29-31

Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

If someone is a great basketball player, does that automatically mean that he is also a great baseball player? If a pastor can preach like they've been lit on fire by the Holy Spirit, does that automatically make them a good administrator? The answer to both questions, of course, is no. Just ask Michael Jordan.

But it's okay if no one of us is great at everything. We are all given different gifts and abilities. We are all different parts of the Body of Christ. Hmmm, strange, it's almost as if it was intended to be that way so that we were encouraged to depend on one another and work towards a unity based on the common desire to make Christ's presence known in the world.

If you can write (or at least think you can) maybe you should start a blog. If you can sing and write songs, then once the Holy Spirit lights you on fire you will sing like you've never sung before. If you have the gift of gab, then maybe you're being called to catechize or evangelize through your personal witness. If you're more of a behind the scenes manager type, maybe you could organize a charitable ministry.

These are just a few examples of what type of gifts can be used to bring Jesus to others who may not have the chance otherwise. One of the best parts of the movie 'God's Not Dead' is when the college student, Josh, is struggling with whether he should go on debating his professor or just go along and get his grade. He is in a church and the pastor starts talking to him and he reminds him that this might be the only exposure to God that the rest of the students in the class might have; the only voice contradicting the teacher's message that God is dead.

You may be that only voice for someone. You might be the only chance they have to hear about a God who loves us so much he was willing to take part in our suffering and die for us. Perhaps it's not the first time that they've heard it, but the way you witness, through your particular gifts, will be the first time it's resonated with them. Either way, I can guarantee, when you set your gifts to the work of the Holy Spirit, you will be amazed at how great you really can be. In the words of St. Catherine of Sienna, "..you will set the world ablaze."

So what is your gift? What talent has the Holy Spirit entrusted to you? More importantly, how will you use those gifts to bring people to Jesus?

God bless,
P.D.O.