November 2021
Nougat 22
I find it interesting that the approach to introducing spiritual gifts varies between the letters to the Corinthians and the Romans. The Romans were invited to a life of self-sacrificing humbleness. On the other hand, it seems that the Corinthian church desired clarity about the spiritual gifts in general and more specifically, tried to discern the best gift.
Where are you on the spectrum? Are you an earnest seeker or an gifted elite? Or are you not concerned one way or another? Today’s Holy Nougat
“Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:1, 3 NLT
This qualification is very important for us to consider in a world inundated with people purporting to be ministers of the gospel, but seemingly have been seduced by the success of the the ministry. It is good, in fact desirable that we operate with the spiritual giftings, not at the expense – financial, emotional, mental or otherwise – of God’s people. Unfortunately, far too many have been led astray, such as those who suffered in Jamaica recently.
We must be aware of how God’s Spirit operates if we are to discern what is right and true. And, even as we yearn for our own experience of God’s Spirit manifesting we ought to know what the gifts are and what to expect. James 3 reminds us that clean and dirty water doesn’t flow from the same spring. And the same is true for spiritual gifts. For, not only does God’s Spirit point us and others to God, but one manifesting the gift of God’s Spirit MUST be able to proclaim the Lordship of Christ, and Not self.
So, even as we yearn for (or question the authenticity of) the promised outpouring of God’s Spirit, I pray for discernment for us all.
—
May all we seek be found in Christ