For the Common Good

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Due to its controversial nature, the area of supernatural gifts is often neglected or ignored. One of the reasons for the controversy is that in dealing with Christianity, it is virtually impossible to deny the supernatural involvement of holy God with mankind. But there is another supernatural element in this world, and that is Satan. Many are fooled by his enticing counterfeit of the real thing.

As children of God, we have His revealed Word in the form of the Bible. We also are equipped for living by the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit. Instead of believing everything someone says (even when quoting Scripture and speaking “for God”), we are clearly told to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). As God’s children, we are the recipients of spiritual gifts. These gifts are spiritual; they are not physical or material but uniquely powerful in the sphere of Christian conduct and ministry.

Now that we have been introduced to the motivational gifts, our next concern is what to do with them. They are God’s investment in us. What we do with our gift is up to us, but remember that they are given for the mutual benefit of the whole body of Christ.

Thought for the Day:
God will provide all the resources you need to carry out what His will requires.