What is your opinion on the spiritual gifts that God gives his people? Does your church believe in such gifts? Do they teach of them, and allow their practice in the worship service? Do you believe in the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Do you believe that evidence, is one particle gift or many different gifts? Some teach that the one main evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is the evidence of speaking in tongues. Though it is true that many indeed are, I debate this stance and submit that God grants gifts differently according to each of our callings. Just because one does not speak in diverse tongues does not mean they have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
First let us look at Ephesians 4: 11 “it was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers” Here we see that the calling of God is different for each of us. We all have different functions within the body, but work together as one unit. What would happen if the people decided they wanted different gifts, or the gift of their buddy? I believe it would mean total chaos in the spiritual realm, and a body of disobedient and rebellious people and ultimately a dysfunctional church body. We must thank God for what gifts he gifts us and not be envious of the gifts of others. Knowing this, we can move forward in realizing that with the different callings also means different gifts of the spirit for each individual. That though we are all equal in God’s eyes, we have different duties he calls us to. If we step outside our call, the outcome is failure.
In 1 Corinthians 12: 28-30 we read what a little deeper about this. “And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?” The author is telling us that we are all different- Amen. If we back up a little in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 we are told that -To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
Always remember “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace“(1 Cor.14, v. 33), and to “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.”(1Cor.14 v. 1) But, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Mat. 6-33) What this all means is to seek God not the gifts. Desire all, which God has for you, whatever it may be. Accept that calling and the gift that goes with it. The body needs functional hands, arms and legs to operate. The Church is like that body. Praise God for what he gives you, and walk in it today. Do all things in love.
Richard A. Kent
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