The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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Humility is a sober evaluation of ourselves,
Not higher nor lower than we should.
Know yourself. Thank God. Help Others.
These maxims are the mix of true humility.
Service builds on our unity.
Done in isolation, service becomes competition.
Done in independence, it becomes arrogance.
Unity is the joyous recognition that Christ’s love
is stronger than the forces which drive us apart--
culture or wealth or sex or race or status.
Belong, depend, relate, share.
These verbs are the badges of true unity.
Service thrives on our diversity.
Without this diversity, some needs go untouched,
While other needs are over tended.
Diversity means that the most gifted is incomplete
and the least gifted is absolutely essential.
What are my gifts? How do I use them well?
What do I need from brothers and sisters?
These questions are the clue to true diversity.
Service depends on the Spirit’s generosity.
Without this generosity, Christians may be clever,
but they will not be gifted.
Rhetoric may come naturally; prophecy does not.
Work we do to survive; service to enrich.
Pep talks stir emotion; exhortation sparks faith.
Propaganda sells ideas; teaching opens truth.
These contrasts outline the Spirit’s generosity.
Service demands our cooperation.
Done half-heartedly, service becomes an insult.
Done begrudgingly, it becomes a burden.
Cooperation is our response to the Spirit’s grace.
Gifts are not for the gifted to enjoy.
Gifts are for the needy to receive.
These insights are the keys to true cooperation.” 9