June 2013 - Body Building with Spiritual Gifts

This month we will be looking at the Gifts of the Spirit.  Last month we considered the Holy Spirit, Himself.  It’s important that we not lose the connection between the two.  We certainly recognize that these spiritual gifts are not simply natural abilities that are taken to a new level by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is not some gas with a higher octane rating that gives our natural engine more power.  These gifts are not simply empowered by the Holy Spirit but originate from Him.  1 Corinthians 12 says that the gifts, or graces, are “manifestations” of the Spirit.  They don’t enlighten us about man but about God dwelling in His temple.

There is a distinct difference between saying, “I have the gift of prophecy” and saying, “Holy Spirit often reveals Himself through me by prophecy.”  I have seen an ownership problem with the spiritual gifts in some people’s lives.  It’s far to easy to believe that a gift of the Spirit is for the one who has it.  The truth is that the spiritual gift that resides in a Christian is for someone else, or for the church.  I can benefit as part of the church, but the gift in me is still other-oriented.  I believe God wants us to be healthier and more mature in relation to the spiritual gifts.

As we consider the spiritual gifts this month, we will not be so much looking at each gift as much the gifts overall.  We will consider their purpose, public practice, personal engagement and priorities.  Each of the passages in Romans, 1 Corinthians and Ephesians speak of Christ’s body and unity.  So, we will be on a monthly body building exercise and I hope you will put in the time and effort any such exercise warrants.

Journeying with you,

Pastor Merril