Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- October 8, 2012
“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed”…”There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them”…”Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:1,4,7
One of Satan’s schemes is to keep God’s children ignorant or confused concerning spiritual gifts. However, His gifts are what empower followers of Jesus to carry out His will. The Great Commission to make disciples of all people, and the Great Commandment to love God and to love people are implemented best by the Spirit’s inspired gifts. There are a variety of gifts, but they originate and are distributed by one Holy Spirit. All spiritual gifts come from God.
Like the multi colors of a rainbow make a compelling commercial for God, so His diverse gifts glorify Him. We are gifted by God for the glory of God. Moreover, we are gifted as a gift to the Body of Christ. Our spiritual gifts are for service, not self. They are for the good of the whole, not just the benefit of one. A gift’s manifestation is suspect if the result leaves observers in awe of a person. Spiritual gifts flourish with humble and wise users.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6
We can admire another person’s giftedness, but we reserve our reverence for Christ alone. It’s ok to acknowledge how a gifted brother or sister in the Lord has blessed us, but it’s with the Lord that we leave the glory. Yes, enjoy the beauty of a gifted worship leader’s worship, but without worshiping the man or woman. Learn from a gifted Bible teacher or writer without idolizing them or their abilities and give your primary praise to the Gift Giver, God Almighty!
Do you acknowledge your skills and abilities as a gift from the Holy Spirit? If so, have you dedicated your spiritual gifts to works of spiritual service? Thank God often for endowing you with the eternal energy and ability to carry out His will. Use your skills for service in the Kingdom of God, do not waste them on worldly pursuits. Also, be content with what Christ has given you, without comparison to others. Your unique giftedness is Christ’s canvas of you. A world wakes up to watch your gifts glow for God. Your spiritual gifts are meant for spiritual service.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the gifts of Your Spirit which I use for Your glory!
Related Readings: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10, 28; Ephesians 4:11
Post/Tweet: We are gifted by God for the glory of God.
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Very well spoken!!!!!
Let the truth be known,Amen!! Let It Be So.
The sad thing is that women’s gifts are very limited. They cannot be elders or ministers – men make the rules concerning doctrine without any input from women in most traditional truckes. SAD!!
Thank u so much for this devotional. This particular devotional speaks to me even more profound than some of the others. I have taken up saxaphone lessons just to glorify God and to give my personal testimony of His love, grace, and mercy He has for me and my family. I know this is what God wants me to do and He had to take me the long way around to birth it out of me. I pray that I stay humble and this devotional sums it up. I am going to print it out and be reminded of it often. Keep me in your prayers as I render service just for the glorification of God’s love.