Perhaps my favorite book series of all time is the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. One scene in the second novel has always intrigued me. Whispers of Aslan’s return shiver over the icy land. The children are in hiding, preparing for battle against the White Witch. Then, the children receive a visit from Father Christmas who bestows them all with gifts. However, these are not normal gifts: these are weapons for war. Swords, bows, and potions are given as tools to help them in battle.
Our weapons for war
As Christians, we too have been called to battle. God has called us to fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12): to spread the Gospel and do away with sin (Hebrews 12:1). However, He does not send us out unarmed. We have each been given gifts to help us fight this battle. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks about spiritual gifts which are given to us by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4). These are given “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). Some of these gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 12: wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues- and this list is far from exhaustive!
Our tools to build up the church
What makes these gifts so beautiful is that we do not all have the same ones. Like the children in Narnia, we have all been given special, individual gifts according to the grace given us (Romans 12:6). Paul uses the analogy of a body to describe how this works. No two body parts are the same, but they are all equally essential and necessary in order for the entire body to function (Romans 12:4-5). So it is with our spiritual gifts. As God’s children use their different gifts, they complement one another and thus build up God’s kingdom together.
Our responsibility to use them wisely
Before leaving the children, Father Christmas reminds them that their gifts are weapons, not toys. Our spiritual gifts are no different. These gifts have been given to us undeservedly by God, and should therefore not be used for selfish gain. Friends, we are conquerors and warriors in God’s sight. So, let us go out bravely, brandishing the weapons that have been so graciously given to us, and let us fight the good fight of faith, for His glory and honor.