Nougat 4

We continue our reflection on the work, worth and witness of God’s Spirit for us believers in today’s Holy Nougat (Although it directly refers to prophecy, I’m suggesting we hear it for all spiritual gifts).

“Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.”

1 Corinthians 14:32-33 NLT

The richness of gifts from God’s Spirit is that they’re aimed at strengthening and equipping God’s people, whether saved or unsaved. Our being equipped with a gift however, is of lesser value if not shared beyond our individual selves. The challenge then, is that there’s less of a desire for spiritual gifts in general, despite proof that the world is dying for the manifestation of these gifts.

I suspect that that is related to a lack of understanding of how God’s Spirit operates in general; the concerns about our personal motives; or the fear that restricts our openness to the move of God’s Spirit within us.

Understanding

As it relates to understanding we know that we can seek God’s wisdom to refute or enhance our reflections for the past month. What the Lord has shared with me for our consideration is a side of the tip of the iceberg; i.e. one perspective intended to whet our appetites. Hence, the teacher encourages, in all our getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7) For, though we see in part, increased understanding of God’s Spirit is likely to increase our intimacy with God. My hope is that this series has initiated or furthered the process.

Motives

Our motives for seeking the gifts of God’s Spirit is also important. We may recall the cases of Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6-12) and the sons of Sceva (Acts 19:1-20), who might have had ulterior motives. But in expanding the essence of our nougat we note that we have some control of the gift we receive. It’s ours; FOR enhancing the body of Christ. Both those already aware of our identity and those on the way. If then utilizing a spiritual gift is subject to our human control, then there is need to check ourselves. Not only with regard to When we use our gift but also Why and How. Should we revert to the testimony of Bar-Jesus, we will find that after his motives got realigned, he operated FOR God, and in the power of God’s Spirit.

Fear

If as the Teacher says, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) then it stands to reason that our motives can change in respect to our attitude to God. The fear of the Lord is not a quake and hide phobia; but the acknowledgment of God’s status as Creator, Saviour and Guide in our lives. We are likelier to be open to the move of God’s Spirit when we recognize the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That is godly fear. There is also the possibility that we fear that our motives are suspect; or we register concerns that with the proliferation of charlatans around; persons will suspect us of also being fake. But God is Peace and thus will by God’s own Spirit remove the doubts and accusations and fear that might accompany the manifestation of our spiritual gifts.

Yes, the spiritual gift (ie interpretation, giving, prophecy) is subject to the one in whom it operates. But ultimately, the one who manifests the gift is subject to the Giver of the gifts. And, whenever we keep that at the forefront, we’ll find God’s Grace will keep and sustain us. May God’s Spirit add to our yearning and understanding.

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May all we seek be found in Christ