Nougat 24

Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 12:7-8 NLT

It’s worth noting that Paul’s understanding is EACH of us has been given a spiritual gift. Let that sink in, yes. And before we argue that this letter is group specific; I hasten to remind us all that in one sense ALL of the Bible is group specific. We’ve opted to apply the principles to our lives and contexts. So yes, I’d argue that it applies to us.

Interestingly, Paul stressed that the gifts are for strengthening the fellowship (and not just for human adulation. I stress that point yet again because it sometimes seems that that’s all we see and hear about those who actually use their spiritual gifts). Is it not then critical for us to continue our understanding of the gifts from God’s Spirit, and begin/continue to use them more intentionally?

The first gift mentioned here is Wisdom. Also known as ‘sophia’, Wisdom is considered a feminine reference to God’s Spirit, throughout the book of Proverbs. And, Isaiah 11 mentions Wisdom as one of the seven-fold proofs for God’s Spirit upon the Messiah.

Of course, we may know many people whom we consider to be wise. And they may be both wise by human and God’s standards. For me, the bigger issue is – have we, any of us – been gifted by God’s Spirit with Wisdom; (especially concerning spiritual matters) but choose to remain anonymous? I agree that Wisdom understands the times and seasons but when the world seems to be overcome by fear and uncertainty; a Word in season from Wisdom is much desired within Faith spaces.

I close with a quick reminder that we can also request Wisdom for a specific situation in our lives. And with us seeing the parallels between the talents and the manifestation of God’s Spirit, perhaps we ought to take Proverbs 4:7-8 as a goal – in all our getting; get Wisdom … for Wisdom will protect us.

Selah

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May all we seek be found in Christ