Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV

A few years ago, the theme for our annual women’s conference was, “Stir It Up.” And of course spoons were incorporated into our theme.

I began to ponder about different kinds of spoons.  And I saw how we as Christians can relate to various types of spoons:

• Teaspoons - You like to socialize.  You may appear dainty but you are not afraid of hot water because you know the end result will be sweet! 

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28 NKJV

• Measuring Spoons - You like to do things precisely and want to know how things will turn out. 

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV

• Serving Spoons - You like being useful and serving others. 

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 NKJV

• Slotted Spoons - You let criticism pass right through you. 

Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Colossians 3:13 NKJV

• Wooden Spoons - You like to be in the middle and mix things up!  You like to make sure everyone blends in and serves their purpose. 

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  1 Peter 4:10 NKJV

I know spoons are inanimate objects. But humor me a little. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. Would a teaspoon say, “I’m not as important as a serving spoon. I’m small and only stir one person’s tea.” Or would a slotted spoon lament, “I’m not dainty like the teaspoon and not brought out for special occasions.” Or would a wooden spoon humbly proclaim, “I look so worn and used. No wonder I’m kept in a different drawer than the others.”

So where do you find yourself?  I personally would like to see myself in all of these spoons. However, as the passage in 1 Corinthians 12 teaches, we all have specific gifts and uses. Teaspoons can’t serve large portions. Slotted spoons aren’t used to stir cake batter. Trying to measure ingredients with a serving spoon would be futile and disastrous. Handing your tea time guest a wooden spoon to stir her tea would cause embarrassment.

See? We can even learn a lesson from ordinary spoons. I hope you never look at spoons the same way.

Father, You have made us all unique.  Help us discover where You have gifted us. Let us appreciate the gifts You have given others.  Remind us to stir each other up to use those gifts for Your honor and glory. May we serve You with the gifts You have given us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.