God Is In It All

Good Morning!

I didn’t know about the gifts of the Spirit until I had been a believer for a number of years. I knew that some folks were very talented at doing certain thing … like preaching and encouraging others and teaching Scripture. But I never had read through the Bible and investigated the gifts of the Spirit. Below is one of several of the writings of Paul concerning the gifts of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12
Concerning Spiritual Gifts

1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Paul begins this discourse by telling the believers at Corinth the reason he is sharing these words. Paul understood that some charlatans would mislead the people by claiming to have supernatural powers when in fact they didn’t even have a relationship with Christ. He cautions them (and us) to listen carefully to the Spirit when someone is claiming a special relationship with God or Christ or the Spirit. Remember, the Spirit will lead you in all truth.

Paul then acknowledges there are different gifts … but lays the groundwork for us to understand the unity within it all. Each of us may have a different prominent gift but we all have the common purposes of sharing Christ and helping people grow in Christ. God gives you one type of gift … and me a different … and another even still one more different … but all work together to accomplish God’s goal for each individual.

The key for us to remember is that we are all a part of the process. There are no sideline Christians. We are all in the game. So use your gift today … as God leads you.

Agape’


Mr. Jim