I have been working on a class about spiritual gifts lately; it’s going to be a good one I think…
As I go through the texts and materials on the subject, I’ve been struck by something that I didn’t anticipate: Sadness.
When you carefully study the whole concept of spiritual gifts, the first thing you run into is controversy; I expected that. The controversy is really sad, and by that I mean that it is altogether unnecessary. How simple the subject becomes when we take notice of something that few advocates mention:
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
(1 Corinthians 12:7)
Maybe I’m way too simple-minded, but to me this short little verse will generally end all of the arguments, but nobody seems to mention it.
Yet, that really isn’t the saddest part. As I go through these wonderful gifts that God gives to His people, I am struck by what they tell us about God Himself. From what He has given to His people we can learn that:
1. God is generous
2. God is creative
3. God is industrious
God has given so much of Himself to His people, but what do His people do?
Do we use these gifts to build the body of Christ in unity and purpose? Do we use the gifts at all?
More often than anything, we just argue about them, or avoid the subject entirely…
Now I realize that there are many great Christians out there who are doing amazing things for the body of Christ, and that in this God is being glorified. I also know that there are great and wonderful churches where the body of Christ is being built up, people are coming to Christ and lives are being changed. I also realize that these are often the exceptions, and this is truly sad.
May all of us renew our efforts to build up the body of Christ, to the glory of God, and may we rest on the sidelines no longer!
Life Project Blog 
I’ve been thinking along these lines lately, as well, and considering: I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. John 17:22-23a
How can we claim to be one, specifically one with him as he is one with the Father, if we don’t accept each others’ gifts, and don’t use our own gifts were ever they fit into the building of the body? What of the glory which he gives us, his glory that the Father has given him, are we displaying to the World if we are not living as one body in Christ? I don’t see that Jesus gives his glory to anyone who is squabbling about others in the body of Christ. Only those who will display it are given it.
What an awesome blessing to be able to show the World his glory!
Boy, that just about saus it all Dennis! thanks for chiming in, keep it up!
This is so true, what you’ve touched upon here, and maybe I’m simple minded too, Don, because I agree with all you’ve said! I will touch on this briefly though: some know nothing of these giftings, or minimize their own because they erroneously believe it is not so great as so-and-so’s……What we all need to remember is that we are all Many individuals that make up One Body In Christ. Is a finger more or less important than a leg because it is seemingly a smaller part? Aren’t All parts necessary and important when they are Working Together?? Just some things I thought I’d share. I’m glad you’re speaking on this topic! Our individual giftings are beautiful, unique and should ultimately be for God’s Glory, never our own, and never in competition with another, but in Compliment to All other parts of a great body In Christ.
Blessings,
N
Well stated as always, thanks N!
I appreciate your observations. ‘m at a point in my life where reflection about my life clearly shows God’s handiwork. The only thing required of me is to submit, learn, respond to His grace. Using my gifts has become easier and easier.
And no doubt will continue to be easier… and harder to avoid doing, for that matter
Would that more understood that these gifts are not for personal consumption and “warm fuzzies” – but to equip and minister to the body. 🙂
Thanks for the post.
\o/