The Most Excellent Way

Discovery of Skills, Abilities, Gifts & Passions

By: Rachel Thiessen (Director of Engagement)

Photo by Rafael Gonzales

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds

of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

- Paul, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 12, 27

Perhaps you’re like me, and spent much time as a

young adult pondering and discerning your skills and abilities, your gifts and your passions. Sometimes, it could start to feel overwhelming.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains that we all use our gifts to work together

as a fully-functioning body, as though each of us were a limb or organ with a part to play, each with no greater role or significance than another. But it doesn’t end there.

When I discovered the power of reading chapters 12 and 13 together, as a beautiful, back-to-back duo, I was brought to tears.

After writing out a list of possible giftings, Paul makes a statement that stops me in my tracks: “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” This is the most excellent cliffhanger before we step into chapter 13.

Paul artfully parallels the two chapters, illustrating that while these giftings are beautiful callings, the impact

of all of them is fleeting, or even counterproductive, if we don’t do

them in Love.

For those in the midst of seeking out your skills, abilities, gifts and passions, find rest in knowing our calling is three-fold:

Trust steadily in Him, Hope unswervingly, Love extravagantly.

- 1 Corinthians 13:13 MSG

Paul affirms that the best of these three things is love. Together, 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 implores us to embrace our God-given gifts, whatever they are, and use them in Love and with Love. That is how we live lives of Clear Purpose.

Today, prayerfully consider how God is inviting you to live out your giftings with Love.

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