This word is submitted by Daniel McKenrick (ehudman@gte.net)

Of Spiritual Gifts
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The Holy Spirit approached a group of believers that are seeking spiritual gifts, then he quietly he hands a small beautifully wrapped package to one of them. He receives it with great joy and proudly shows it to everyone -- but soon everyone has seen the package and he wearies of carrying it around and begins to set it down when its inconveniences him. It is not long until the package is all but forgotten, and kicked out of the way under a chair.

The Holy Spirit sadly retrieves the unopened discarded gift, wipes of the dust and grime and approaches another believer. This one also receives the gift but is perplexed at it being so tightly wrapped and securely tied up. He works at the knot in the red ribbon then attempts to peel off the cords and wrapping but makes very little progress.

After some effort he notices that other people are watching his clumsy attempts at opening the gift. Soon he becomes very embarrassed by the apparent futility of his efforts. With a shrug of his shoulders, remarks to the watchers that the gift must not have been meant for him, and tossing it aside walks away.

The Holy Spirit again retrieves the discarded gift. As tears fall from his eyes he remembers how expensive and difficult the gift was to obtain.

The package, now quite tattered is given to yet a third person. This one only takes it because of the expression of love in the eyes of the Holy Spirit, as the gift itself is rather unappealing, the ribbon is frayed and split, the paper is ripped and soiled. What of any value could be wrapped so humbly? Yet the earnest expression of love in the face of the giver compels him to receive it.

Testing the security of the wrapping he also finds it resists every attempt to be opened but remembering the love that gave it, he prays for wisdom to unwrap it. It then occurs to him that a sword hangs at his side, with it he cuts through the ribbon and cords. The wrapping is easily pulled away to reveal the gift.

He is visibly disappointed to see the gift is nothing but a small somewhat cloudy mirror. He thinks to throw it away but remembering the expression of love that gave it, he takes it to a well-lighted room.

To his astonishment he sees in his own reflection, the Glory of God!

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The gifts of the Spirit are a burden easily discarded to those who desire them for show. They are embarrassingly difficult to obtain for those who depend upon human skill and strength. Their appearance has been marred by those who show contempt for them.

It is by the wisdom of God and the sword of the Spirit that they are revealed. It is the love of God that allows us to see His glory through them!