The Hidden Treasures That are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
All Christians have hidden treasures that are the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Read on to find out how a simple candle helped Tandy realize this.
A Secret Inside
My daughter was given a candle as a gift. It was in an attractive glass jar and had a lid. When she showed it to me, I commented on the lovely gift. That’s when she told me this wasn’t an ordinary candle but one with a secret inside.
A foil pouch was buried somewhere deep within the wax. She knew that there was a piece of jewelry inside that foil and wondered what it would be like. This hidden treasure was going to take patience and time to uncover. The candle itself had a pleasing fragrance which made it more than just the medium to hold the jewel waiting inside. It was a beneficial part of the gift.
We examined the candle through the glass but couldn’t locate where the surprise might be hidden. Daily the candle was lit and thoroughly examined before snuffing it out several hours later. One day she noticed the edge of a foil pouch. The excitement mounted. The treasure was now within sight but was still firmly embedded in the wax so not quite ready to retrieve. Oh, the anticipation!
Later that day, the pouch was removed with tweezers and carefully opened. A beautiful ring with a turquoise stone was revealed. The treasure was worth the wait.
Hidden Treasure Inside Us
My daughter’s unique gift started me thinking about the hidden treasure inside each of us. It may not be visible on the surface, but I know it’s there. Like the new candle, I examine my life and wonder what else it might hold.
There have been times I felt there must be more to life than what I’ve experienced. I grew impatient and wanted to know what the future would hold. I wondered if I should start digging in an attempt to uncover what God had in store for me. Just as digging in the candle for the treasure would have made a mess and not produced the desired results, it’s the same for my life. Instead I had to learn patience and to trust God.
Buried deep inside were passions, abilities and many other gifts I wasn’t fully aware of. The hidden treasure only started to show itself when I allowed the love of Jesus to soften my heart. It’s by putting my trust in him that the gifts he’s given me are free to emerge.
Love Releases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The key to releasing these gifts is love. It is love that softens my heart and makes me desire to serve. In 1 Peter this is set out clearly.
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever!”
These spiritual gifts bring a fulfillment not found in physical offerings. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate gifts given to me by family and friends. Some are enjoyed for many years. Eventually, though, they get worn out
Gifts of The Holy Spirit
The gifts the Holy Spirit gives are treasures that are lasting. We are instructed to use them for the glory of God. Matthew 6:20 tells us,
“Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.”
And if we were still in doubt about the importance of money and possessions, the passage carries on saying,
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
There are times I feel like the gifts he’s given me aren’t being used to full advantage. I feel there must be much more I am capable of. My desire is to make an impact for God and right now it seems so minimal.
I read a quote by Dr. Charles Stanley that puts this into perspective for me. He said,
“Serve faithfully where you are. When you are ready for a bigger place, God will put you there. He knows the desires of your heart and where you want to be.”
That’s when I stop and remember; what Jesus has done in and through my life is wonderful but it can’t hold a candle to the treasure I’ve found in my relationship with him.
Why do you think God gives us spiritual gifts? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us at HopeStreamRadio if you have some questions.
Tandy Balson
Read and hear more from Tandy Balson on the contributor’s page or on her website, www.timewithtandy.com
Tandy’s show, “Time With Tandy” airs on HopeStreamRadio.
In her program she reflects on spiritual lessons from her observations of life, to encourage and strengthen us in our faith.
Listen to Tandy’s podcast “Hidden Treasure” below.
Other Podcasts:
More Blogs
Can We Be Holy? The Process of Sanctification
Was The Resurrection of Christ Real?
Images courtesy of:
Candles – max6061
Rings – MianShahzadRaza
Hands – Myriams – Fotos
Candle – webandi
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