Discovering Our Gifts

 I have become quite fond of a television/ book character by the name of  a Father Brown.  He is an unassuming Roman Catholic priest in the 1950s from a small British town who loves the people of his parish and has a healthy dose of suspicion when it comes to solving crime.  In a Post-World War II world, he is not a detective by occupation, however he always seems to uncover the suspect in a timelier manner than the police inspector. He uncovers the clues to the murder, abduction, art heist or other caper, while generally caring the business of the church.  The confessional, while never violated, doesn’t hurts.  This BBC TV series is loosely based off a series of short stories by the GK Chesterton, author and theologian. (1)  Father Brown rides his bike from site of interest to potential site of interest as he exposes clues all in time for worship.  His primary spiritual gifts are observation, deduction, and determination.  

More than once does he find himself in an evangelistic conversation with the perpetrator of the crime as he hears the confession ahead of the detective, much to the chagrin of the officer.    The eclectic cadre of characters that surround him from the parish secretary to the countess, housekeeper to driver add insight. 

 So, often discovering our own spiritual gifts can feel like detective work we do with observation, deduction, and much determination.  Throughout this series, we have celebrated the blessings of the Holy Spirit on each and every person as being gifted with spiritual gifts.  And we seek to uncover what those gifts are.  Knowing that we all have God-given gifts for the ushering in of God’s way. 

 In our gospel lesson, we are challenged to remember that as we discover our spiritual gifts that we have incredible opportunity to use them for the good of the larger body of Christ.  As you discover the gift of mercy, you are called to share love with the broken and not keep for yourself.  The gift of prophecy is for the body of Christ, even when it makes you uncomfortable.   Teaching is not just learning for yourself, but rather educating others.  The gift of wisdom edifies the whole body and not just a few. 

  The parable reminds us that every time we are tempted to bury our talents in the ground, we do not secure them – we hide them.  We live in fear.  Uncovering our gifts can be not only discovering what gifts that God has given us, but also unwrapping the gifts that we know ourselves to have and embracing our gifts without fear.  When we use them in community, we actually invest them.  It is a risk.  But a risk, that potentially returns rewards! 

  When we discover our God-given gifts, they are how God has created us for to complete the full body – apostles, prophets, teachers, power, assistance, leadership, tongues.  God’s way is more excellent.  When we uncover those gifts and serve out of them, we live in joy!  When we live as who God has made us to be, we live in joy!  

  Earlier this month, our staff and leadership took the spiritual gifts inventory with Janice Bowers.  Janice Bowers become certified as Christ Servant Minister and trained in administering this spiritual gift inventory that will be offered this morning.  For myself, I watched my own gift of apostleship and prophecy grow over time.  As you uncover your gifts, God calls you to ask – how are you using those gifts for God’s kingdom? 

  This morning as we come to communion, we bring all of who we are.   In this week, following the announcement from General Conference, I know there are those among us who bring satisfaction and gratification as well as those who bring disappointment and discouragement.  We need to particularly acknowledge the pain done to our LGBTQIA siblings this week at General Conference as well as their loved ones.  You are beloved children of God.   I will be available after service to discuss, any questions or part of General Conference you desire.   As we come to the table, we come as the whole body of Christ. 

  On the each of the seats in the sanctuary, there are different parts of the body.  There is the scapula and aorta, pinky toe and belly button.  You are created uniquely in the image of God.  During Communion, I ask you to assist me in re-membering the body of Christ.  Please bring the part of the body you are re-presenting.  Place it on the board.  Don’t worry about placing it in the anatomically correct location.  We may end up with Picasso inspired image. After a week like this one, we need to remember the unity of the Holy Spirit.  However, we need to do so with grace for one another.   After you receive communion, please receive a gift of the Spirit. 

  This sign-act is a reminder to all of us that we are the beloved of God.  Each and every one of us.  As you discover your spiritual gifts, I encourage you to write your spiritual gifts on the other side of the heart.    Stay after 11:00 worship (or come back) for our discovery time to find out today what your gifts are!  Then, do not bury them in the ground.  Invest your gifts.  Use them.  Let them grow in you. 

  Father Brown reminds me that uncovering gifts is a discovery process.  Then once we have found the God-given gifts with which we have been blessed, using then and offering them for God’s use within the body of Christ bring us great joy!    

May you take time to discover or confirm your spiritual gifts. 

May you know joy in uncovering your spiritual gifts. 

May the full body of Christ be welcome to uncover their spiritual gifts and know God’s joy. 

This is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, thanks be to God, Amen. 

(1) GK Chesterton, The Complete Father Brown Stories, 1992.