Six basics that can clear up division about spiritual gifts

By Dean Collins

You hope when they graduate from high school and later college that they are no longer uninformed. Part of the education process is gaining knowledge and hopefully also building competency in certain areas in order to become equipped to think critically and be successful in life. The goal is to contribute to society in a positive way. However, you can’t learn everything you need to know in a classroom and certainly not in just four or five short years.

Even in a Christ-centered college where there is emphasis on spiritual formation, those of us who have been followers of Jesus awhile know that maturity in Christ takes time and experience. Spiritual disciplines and knowledge of Scripture don’t grow overnight. The apostle Paul observed that, while some members of the Corinthian church had lots of knowledge, their attitudes and behaviors indicated they still had much to learn. Ignoring sinful behaviors, claiming allegiance to certain leaders often over Jesus, stuffing their faces at fellowship meals while others went without—these were only some of the problems.The results of their immaturity were a divided and divisive group of believers.

Ignorance and pride

Another deficiency was their knowledge about spiritual gifts. In fact, they not only didn’t understand spiritual gifts, they were prideful about the gifts they possessed and looked down on others for the gifts God had given them.

There have been hundreds of books written by Christians who attempt to explain details about spiritual gifts. There are even assessments that have been developed to help one identify spiritual gifts. Some of this content is helpful, and some likely overreaches what the Bible tells us about our gifts. In 1 Corinthians Paul gives us a few basics. And often the basics alone can clear up ignorance and correct pride. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Spiritual gifts are varied. There are many, and having certain ones doesn’t make one better than another.
2. There is one Spirit. The Holy Spirit is for every follower of Jesus. He may give each of us some of the same gifts and and others different gifts. Some believers may have many and some may have fewer, but it is God through his Spirit who gives the gifts for a purpose.
3. The Holy Spirit gives gifts for the common good. We don’t have our gifts to show off or to be elevated in the church. Our gifts fill in gaps and fully equip the church to be the body of Christ in our local communities.
4. It takes many people with many gifts to become the fully visible body of Christ in the world today. The Holy Spirit and our gifts make it possible that people from different regions, different cultures, different economies, and different experiences can unite and share the love of Jesus fully with the whole world.
5. The suffering of one impacts all of us. Likewise, when one of us is honored, we can and should all rejoice because the common good is being achieved.
6. No matter your gifts, there is a more excellent way. And Paul took a whole chapter to remind us that love is the basis and the greater power in advancing God’s Kingdom and demonstrating the unity that gives glory to God while drawing others to Jesus.

I’m thankful for the spiritual gifts God gives to you and to me. In the first century and now, I think Paul’s message is appropriate. Don’t become prideful about your gifts. They don’t make you better; they simply help the church do what Jesus commands us to do: love one another and share his gospel throughout the world.

Your time with God’s Word
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:1, 4-14, 26-31‬ ‭ESV

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

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