Today's devo taken from: 1 Cor 12:14-20 [1 Cor 12. (in context)]
I wanted to talk to you guys about being envious of others spiritual gifts, as well as gifts in general. Do you guys believe in spiritual gifts though, that it can happen today? It seems pretty far-fetched for some, it takes a lot of faith to believe in the gifts, especially if you haven't witnessed it before. There are some that doubt, even after witnessing... so I can understand. Remember, the early church in Acts was moved by the Holy Spirit, where our gifts come from. The church was so successful back then, because people could demonstrate that they were truly transformed through the Spirit. If you want to demonstrate your faith, ask the Holy Spirit to come into your life, transform you, and your Spiritual gifts will manifest. I know I have the gift of prophecy, but I know that there is more that God will grant me, if only I ask. So what are your spiritual gifts?
That isn't my main thought though. Look at 1 Cor 12:14-20. Everyone is given different gifts, and everyone is equal under the eyes of the Lord. Those that can speak in tongues aren't greater than those with the gift of healing. Those that can perform miracles are no better than those that possess wisdom through the Spirit. We all function as members of one body. All parts are necessary to perform! That's what Paul is saying here. Some gifts seem more honourable, and dare I say "flashy". People see the gifts, and say "Man, I wish I had that gift.". That isn't the way we're supposed to do things. We are to raise up with those that seem like they have "less honourable gifts" so that there is no division in the body. Those with "flashy" gifts are already given their due praise. Be satisfied with your gifts, and not envious of others. If it bothers you that much, ask God for more gifts, and He will give you more. But remember, your gifts are useless unless motivated by love. (See 1 Cor. 13).
-Richard
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Something that I am grappling with right now...is the difference between the current church and the church in Acts. I am so saddened sometimes, by our lack of faith, our lack of movement, and our lack of production: bringing new people to the faith. I think that we need to ask the Holy Spirit to give us gifts, equip us for this spiritual war.
Ask for big things next term, and we'll do amazing things in His name. And I think that we're going to have to "Go out" as per our evangelism segment next term. It's great to bring people to CCF and to church, but the great commission was to go out, not bring in. Matt 28. It frightens me, because I have always been weak on evangelism. However, I also look forward in anticipation of seeing God work on our campus. That overrides all fear in me.
-Richard
the gift of prophecy sounds really cool. i'm not sure what gift i have really to be honest, it probably changed a few times? lol.
yah, i agree w/ Rich about praying for big things next term, esp. with evangelism. It scares the bananas out of me cuz i'm never sure of how everyone will react but knowing we have God on our side... how can we possibly lose?
brap brap!
- Jono
you make a good point RIch!
let's always remember that everyone's role is vital to the body. We can't all be hands, or eyes...some of us need to be the ears and the nose as well. Each is equaly important, otherwise the body is just a mass of 1 or 2 parts. Which doesnt work!
We need to find our calling, our body part that we fit.
i heard somewhere that the reason for not hearing many people speaking in tongues is because there is no interpreter of the tongues. How true is this?
but yea we should find what our spiritual gifts are, and serve God w/ em =D
Post a Comment