1 Corinthians 12:1 (KJV)
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
In the opening of this chapter, Paul underscores the significance of comprehending spiritual gifts and their diverse nature. He stresses that these gifts, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, are not solely for personal growth but also the collective strengthening of the church. God desires that none of us will be ignorant concerning the things of the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit transcend human natural capabilities and intellect; they are supernatural manifestations of Jesus working within us. These gifts operate through us as natural beings to bring forth the supernatural power of Christ. As God is Spirit, when we accept Christ, He bestows upon us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to reside within us and empower us for impactful work on earth. Therefore, to fully engage with spiritual matters, we must diligently study and understand the teachings conveyed through the Holy Scriptures. Ignorance of these things will only result in our lives being dried and unattractive. Due to a lack of understanding of spiritual truths, the followers of God suffer. Therefore, it’s crucial for us to comprehend the workings of the Spirit. One significant aspect of these spiritual matters is displaying the Holy Spirit’s power through utilizing spiritual gifts.
There are different kinds of gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the benefit of all. One person may receive the gift of wisdom through the Spirit, while another may receive the gift of knowledge. Another person may receive the gift of faith, and yet another may be given the gift of healing. The Spirit also bestows the ability to perform miracles and prophesy, discern spirits, speak in different kinds of tongues, and interpret those tongues. The same Spirit works through all these gifts, distributing them to each individual as the Spirit sees fit. As we learn about the gifts, remember that the Spirit of God is the source of these gifts, and they are manifested to bring God glory. The point is that all these true manifestations are through the Holy Spirit, not by our own flesh! Despite various spiritual gifts, we understand that they are all given for a common purpose and goal. Ephesians 4:12-13 says, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” As Christians, we should view these gifts and special abilities as deliberate endowments from God for the primary purpose of promoting the work of the ministry. Our service in the House of God should bless the Body of Christ and be profitable to God.
Beloved, know that without the Holy Spirit, you can do nothing, but all things are possible with Him. As an instrument of God’s Work, seek to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and to submit to God through these gifts, and there will be peace and orderliness, not strife and confusion. Wherever the Spirit of God is, there is liberty, signs, and wonders. In this season, signs and wonders will be your portion in Jesus’ Name! Today, take time to identify the spiritual gifts God has given you. Reflect on how you can use these gifts to serve others. Continually and consistently study the Word of God and develop a strong relationship with God at the place of prayer. I encourage you to identify your gift, develop it, and use it to glorify God and bless humanity. Remember, use your gifts with a heart of humility, knowing that God gives them for His purposes.
O Lord, open my eyes to identify my gifts and give me all I need to develop them as You empower me to use them for Your Glory in Jesus’ Name.