Marie Curie, a French physicist and chemist once remarked: "We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained." Romans 12:6-8 reminds us: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
One of the definitions of the gifts of life is advocated to be a notable capacity, talent or endowment. It is a common belief, especially in many religious traditions, that everyone possesses unique gifts or talents given by God, whether one is cognizant of them or not. These gifts can manifest themselves as special skills, aptitudes, natural abilities, or even spiritual inclinations. The notion of spiritual gifts is particularly prominent in Christian theology. The "Gifts of Life" predominantly encompass both tangible and intangible things that enrich an existence and provide special meaning. Gifts can include loved ones, health, talents, and the natural beauty of the world around us, as well as personal qualities like confidence, intuition, emotional connection, empathy, peace, and even the continual presence of nice people. In a spiritual context, gifts of life might refer to revered qualities like wisdom, faith, or the discerning ability to distinguish between good and evil.
There is a passage in the Bible that emphasizes the unity and diversity of the church, comparing it to a human body. It emphasizes that the church is one body, yet made up of many diverse members, each with unique gifts and roles, all functioning together for the good of the whole. The passage encourages values and respecting each member's contribution, recognizing that even seemingly less prominent gifts are essential to the body's overall health and functionality. 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 reminds us: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
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. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.”
Although some would disagree with the belief that all gifts come from God, the general consensus is that this be true. Some purport that talents are a blend of both natural potential and dedicated development. While some individuals may be born with a stronger predisposition for certain abilities, these talents require consistent practice, learning, and effort to truly blossom. They believe that like a seed: it has the potential to grow, but it needs the right conditions (nurture) to reach its full potential. But where does this talent or seed originate from? Seeds originate from the ovules within a flowering plant after they have been fertilized by pollen, a process known as sexual reproduction. These ovules are found in the ovary of the flower, which later develops into a fruit containing the seeds. Once the seed develops, it can be dispersed and planted to grow a new plant. Plants are viewed as God’s creation by most. James 1:17 confirms: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
C. Joybell C, a female American author once remarked: “One of the best gifts you can give to someone, is a wider perspective. It's also one of the best gifts you can receive. So if you have given someone a wider perspective, don't feel bad about it (about taking their blindfolds off and having to watch them cringe in the newfound sunlight); I know it's hard, but you're doing them a lasting favor. And a wider perspective can be difficult for you yourself to accept, in the beginning (during the time that you squint while the sunlight stings your own eyes), but later you'll find yourself coming back to it, even if you abandoned it as something worthless; you'll look for it, one day. Or it will grow on you. Perspective.”
Perspective can be considered a gift. It allows one to view situations, ideas, and people from different angles, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world. It's a valuable tool for navigating life's challenges, fostering empathy, and promoting positive change. Gifts can also include the ability or discernment to make the right choices in life. While the notion of "gifts" often implies inherent advantages or talents, the right choices in life are more critical toward the actions and decisions one makes. While one may be naturally gifted with the seeds of talent provided by God, it's the effort and choices that are made to utilize and develop those gifts that truly determine the path to success. Development and growth are spiritual encouragements from God. The contrasts between living in sin or living in righteousness are immense, one leads to eternal life, the other to possible problems. Romans 6:20-23 reminds us: “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Amen.
