Monday April 20, “Walking In Wisdom”
Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. The apostle Paul himself tells us, “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts.” (vs. 1) But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. (vs. 12).
When we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to take up residence inside us. And with Him comes at least one spiritual gift chosen specifically by God for each believer. It may not be the one we want, but it’s definitely the one God wants us to have. And each gift God bestows, He does so with the intent of us using our gifts to bless others. As Peter tells us, “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) For what use is a gift that only benefits the holder? Like in Paul’s example of the gift of speaking in tongues.
“Originally seen at the empowering of the church at Pentecost, the ability to speak diverse languages was given so the early church could spread the gospel all around the world. (Acts 2:4) But many of the believers in Corinth were imitating other religions by babbling meaninglessly. What they were doing was neither of the Spirit nor edifying to other believers. Rather, they were trying to show off their ‘super spirituality’.”....Dr. Charles Stanley
Paul spoke in tongues more than anyone.(vs. 18) But even he said, “I desire to speak five words in my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” (vs. 19) He knew the value of a few words understood by many, rather than thousands understood by none. Paul also didn’t seek his own glory. Instead the apostle taught how each of us, with our individual gifts, are a valuable part in making up the body of the church. Like a holy orchestra, individually we make pleasing music, but together under God, the great Conductor, our solos become a beautifully unified musical symphony!
“God is not a God of confusion but of peace. All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (vs. 33,40) Paul finishes by giving us guidelines to follow when coming together as the church. As we all play an important role, Paul tells us that with the maturity of adults, we let each person participate in sharing their gifts in an orderly and respectful fashion. “The goal of coming together as a church is not to be entertained, nor even to be “pleased” with a “blessing.” We gather for edification, for the spiritual building up we need to live lives that glorify Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. As Paul said in Ephesians 4:12, the goal is the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Our Christian lives are lived on the outside, and we come to be strengthened, built up, and equipped when we come together as a church family. ; all with the mindset of edifying the church and each other. “....David Guzik
“We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom. 12:6-8) Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. (Ps. 139:14) And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our great Conductor as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear!
