Introduction
Today and tomorrow, we will discuss gifts. Tomorrow, we will discuss the different types of gifts. Today, we will discuss how everyone has gifts. The problem with our use of gifts is that as we move to a more individualistic society that trusts institutions like the church less, we increasingly refocus our gifts exclusively on personal gain. While our gifts can and should be used to bless ourselves and our loved ones, our gifts were given to us to glorify Christ first.

Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 4:7-10 (New Living Translation)

"However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say, 'When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.' Notice that it says 'he ascended.' This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself."

Explanation and Reflection
In the text above, Paul cites Psalm 68:18. In this Psalm, David celebrates the triumphant Lord who defeats his enemies, receives gifts, and ascends to the mountaintop. Paul plays off of this Psalm to describe the descent of Christ to become our sacrifice and the ascent of Christ as He overcame the grave and went up into heaven. In this process, Paul argues that God, through Christ, gave every believer at least one gift. This passage holds a couple of key concepts:

1. Every Believer is Given at Least One Gift
   This text makes it very clear: every believer has at least one gift to share with the church. I would argue that almost all believers have multiple gifts. It is unacceptable for any believer to claim they have no gifts. We are all called to play a part in the local church by using our gifts. There is no sitting on the sidelines and watching everyone else serve. We are all called to get into the game. Christianity is not a spectator’s sport. We are not called to observation but to execution.
2. Christ’s Descent is an Expression of Service
   In this calling to serve, we must recognize that we are called to follow the example of Christ. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45). Christ’s example calls us to sacrifice in the interest of others. When we descend as Christ descended, we give up position, comfort, and power to take up the humblest place and put ourselves second. Because He descended to serve, we descend to serve.
3. Christ’s Ascent Should Compel Us to Worship Through Service
   Christ not only descended to serve humankind but also ascended to the highest place, and He alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. As we seek to glorify our risen Lord, one of our most significant means of worship is service. When we use our gifts to serve others, Christ is worshipped and lifted high. By loving others with our gifts, we elevate Christ when we mirror His sacrificial nature.

The gifts we have been given are not for ourselves. They are not designed to grow our wealth, exclusively bless our families, or popularize our status or position at work. Our gifts originate from Christ, and they are for His glory and to be used in the service of others.

Question of the Day
Here's a question for you to think about and apply:
In what ways am I using my gifts in the church?