Why Do We Have Spiritual Gifts?

PRAY OVER THIS

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”

1 Corinthians 12:7

 

PONDER THIS

If you have a spiritual gift, it is not a means to an end. It is not for your personal use. It is not to make you feel good. It is not to prove something. These gifts are meant to put you to work for the Lord Jesus Christ. God has given you a gift to profit others.

One of my favorite stories is about a woman who’d taken a first-aid course, and later gave a testimonial to her class. She shared that in front of her house there was a horrible wreck—an old man driving a car had lost control, hit an oak tree, and was thrown out on the pavement. It was terrible. But she said, “I remembered my first aid. I remembered if I were to put my head between my knees I wouldn’t faint.” And she said, “I did; it was wonderful.” That’s the way some people think about gifts. They think a spiritual gift is supposed to be a particular blessing to them, but the Bible says here that the gift is a service to others. It is to profit the whole body. It is not for your enjoyment; it is for your employment.

What changes when we remember that our spiritual gifts are to benefit the body and are not just for our own use?

How have you used your spiritual gifts? Have they been used to benefit others in the body of Christ?

PRACTICE THIS

Take action and serve someone around you today using the gifts God has given you.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers