The Right Guitar (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

The other week, a sister in Christ asked me to help her select an electric guitar for her to purchase. I happily obliged! I love to match a person’s musical interests with a guitar that will not only be a great fit for them at their current skill level, but will be a worthy instrument that will match their anticipated prowess.

I presented several guitars to her, each with distinctive shapes and sound characteristics, and asked her to play each of them, instructing her to listen for the tonal shapes and paying attention to the feel of the guitar as she held it. After a few minutes, she made her decision and, within a few hours, ordered the guitar of her dreams, matched to her unique musical tastes and abilities.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV)

The joy I received as I assisted my sister in Christ to select her first guitar reminded me of God’s pleasure He takes in giving and matching us with His gifts for service. The Holy Spirit matches each of us with a unique set of gifts and talents with an infinitely greater skill than I could ever match someone with a guitar. Unlike a guitar, these gifts are custom-made for each believer in Jesus Christ and given so that the Kingdom of God may be established and flourish. God doesn’t present His gifts to us asking us to select the best one. He has already blessed us with the best and expects us to use them for His glory.

Amen!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.