“Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” 1 Corinthians 12:1 AMP
Imagine your father went on a long trip, but before he left, he gave you a gift. Isn’t it natural to open the gift and use it? When Jesus left this world, He left us with a gift: the Holy Spirit.
We were sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and His gifts (1 Corinthians 12), otherwise known as “spirituals,” that is, “of the Spirit,” when we received the gift of salvation by grace through faith, according to the Bible. As a result, it’s worth noting that these gifts aren’t based on your human abilities or capabilities. How fantastic is that?
Nonetheless, some Christians today dismiss the gifts of the Holy Spirit in some way. This is similar to what Paul meant when he said “uninformed” in our anchor scripture. Listen, spiritual gifts are for the benefit of the body of Christ and are still at work in us today.
Just like we have one body of different parts that can do different things, as a body of Christ, there are varieties of gifts, activities, and ministries that each member of the body of Christ can dispense for the edification of the church by the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
In Ephesians 2:10, Paul refers to us as God’s masterpiece created for good works. We can accomplish God’s will on earth with the help of spiritual gifts. Thus, whether it is the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, speaking in tongues, or interpretation of tongues, these gifts can be used to spread the gospel.
Knowing that you have such a gift is as important as using them. What profit is it to have a gift and not make use of it? Want to walk effortlessly in these gifts? Give yourself to prayer and study of the word. Meditate on who you are and what you have in the place of prayer.
DO THIS: Read 1 Corinthians 12, and pray with it in mind today.
Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 29-30