1 Corinthians 12:4-6
"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all."
Believers have always struggled with the idea of Spiritual gifts. How are we to judge ourselves when we don't receive the same gifts as another? Is there a hierarchy of gifts within the church reflecting God's pleasure with us on an individual basis? Why do some Spiritual gifts seem more prominent than others? What about a believer who can't identify their gift?
While we may not easily answer these questions, there are some things we can know for sure. Paul makes it clear that all Spiritual gifts are equally of God, just as all kinds of ministries are of the same Lord and all types of activities are directed by the same God.
Within the church, we're not to compare each other's gifts in an attempt to judge our spiritual maturity. That's just not the way it is with the Spirit. Instead, every gift is given according to God's pleasure, not as a reward for our own spiritual prowess, but according to God's perfect will.
Of course, factions creep into the church whenever believers begin to compare the Lord's gifts, with some even puffing themselves up when compared to another. That is not the way it is to be within the church. We all share equally in the Spiritual gifting of our Lord.
While there is but one Lord and he has given one Spirit, know that the Spirit's touch in our lives will be manifested in many different ways.
LORD JESUS
Lord, I thank you for the Spirit living within the heart of every believer. May we rejoice in the gifts you've given to us and never compare our gifts with another in a way to give ourselves glory. Amen.
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