The Value Of Uniqueness

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

1 Corinthians 12:11

Author Stu Weber’s two oldest sons did well in high school athletics. To encourage his youngest son, Ryan, to find his niche, Stu spent lots of time camping and hiking in the outdoors with him. Ryan’s identity developed around a favorite pocketknife he always carried on their trips. But the real value of the knife was revealed the day Ryan gave it to his dad as a birthday gift.

What Ryan Weber did for his dad is a reflection of what Jesus Christ has done for us. Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, has given every believer a personal spiritual gift especially suited for who we are. Jesus gave up His physical ministry on this earth when He returned to heaven, then He distributed His ministry to us to help carry out for Him.

That’s what spiritual gifts are—individual portions of the ministry of Jesus with which each individual Christian has been gifted. Others may have the same gift as you, but no one else will be led to use that gift in the same unique way. Excitement and joy in ministry come from recognizing how special the gift of God to us really is.

The combination of you and your spiritual gift occurs nowhere else in the world.