County fairs give us a wide variety of things to do.
That’s the point, to appeal to everyone’s interests. There’re rides for the kiddos, games for the teens, and the animal barns for those who like that sort of thing.
For the cooks among us, there’s the pastry-judging contests. Bring your favorite pie, meringue, or cake. Decorate it nicely to make it appeal to the judges.
There’s one more step to take. No matter how finely coiffed our cake may be, it can’t be the winner unless the flavor and texture match the beautifully crafted exterior.
It must be a masterpiece inside as well as on the outside. We must cut and share the beautiful confection for it to be chosen as the best of the best.
That’s every Christian’s job. We all want to have the gifts of the Spirit, to excel in prophesying, teaching, and other good works in the church. We must remember, however, that the gifts of the Spirit aren’t about us. They are about the church body, about the family of believers, and about lifting Christ to a higher place in our list of priorities.
We must share our gifts for the benefit of the church, or they are useless to God.
1 Corinthians 14:12 tells us:
“So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.”
The church isn’t about us. It’s about all of us, the Sunday school teachers, the ushers, and the prayer warriors who arrive early to spend time on their knees. Being a soloist in the choir is our chance to share what God’s gifted us. We build up the church, and we empower ourselves.
When we share our gifts from God, everyone becomes stronger in the Lord.
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