"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Isn't it interesting that in nearly two thousand years of the ministry there still looms the same problem? I find that this issue has been growing from two different angles: a failure to recognize spiritual gifts, and a failure to accept our own gifts.
What I have come across quite a bit lately (and this is probably an offshoot the collective frustration and anger with the political landscape in the USA) is people talking down other people or other practices as not being good enough or not being "correct". A church that uses an iPad for the Gospel is unholy. This kind of singing is detrimental to the congregation. The use of this language deters a certain population. This liturgical activity is not liturgical. I could go on, but that would bring much more negativity into this post than there needs to be (if you haven't figured it out yet, there is plenty negativity out there to satisfy your needs). But what does Paul say? He explains that there are so many different gifts out there, and that they are all out there for the benefit of all. And that's how we can understand what is a spiritual gift and what isn't.
Think about this: if a congregation does the Eucharist in Rite II with Prayer C every Sunday, and the entire congregation is participating, how does that affect you, who come from a different congregation where you use the 1920 BCP? Obviously, one prayer works for one group, and another for the other. On the contrary: if a worship team has an organ and a choir of six singers where you can only hear the six voices during a congregational hymn, there might be a slight discrepancy. The same can be said for the converse, with a worship band of soloists and no participation from the congregation. In the end, though, the things that benefit the congregation are the ones that are bringing more and more people to God.
The other issue is that there are many of us who are too lazy to recognize our own gifts. In the Episcopal Church, especially, we like to use the formula, "I'm discerning..." as an excuse not to put our gifts to work. Even more of us like to complain that we aren't good enough to bring forth our fruits to the altar. We like to compare ourselves to many saints who we say have lived perfect lives. But, what does Jesus say? Does the phrase "Follow me" ring a bell? Jesus is ready to use us. God is ready to work all in all. The Spirit is burning within us in a way that will drive us to do great things.
Make Lent be a season where you can use your gifts. If you have any fears our doubts about your gifts, practice them, and do it sincerely. It is one thing to show off the same riff on the guitar that you've played for ten years, but it is another to listen to more music, practice diligently, and cultivate your musical skills. If you have doubts about how you could use your gifts, consult your priest, or any other outside opinion. The main thing, though, is to go out and do.
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