12 OCT 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Cor. 12: 4-7
In the chapter leading up to twelve, Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. In the book of Ephesians, he further states, that Christ fits the body together perfectly. As each part does its special work, it helps the whole body grow, so that it is healthy and maturing and full of love. The gifts of the Spirit are given to the church to build up and help each other.
Jesus wants his church to be healthy and functioning the way he wants. There is an expectation that every member will operate in a role within the body which results in people becoming healthy and functional. The Holy Spirit sees what gifts are needed in the Church and distributes them by his will, choice, and pleasure. We don’t have to decide which gift we want, he knows and gives us each one when we come to faith.
If we don’t neglect it but use the gift we are given, then the body will benefit. We become a channel in which the Holy Spirit works to affect change within the church. As the hymn says, “Have you urged upon those who are straying? If our lives are not free from all sin, we will be barriers and a hindrance. Is the love of God flowing through you? Make me a channel of blessing today.” If you don’t know what that gift is, pray that God will reveal it to you. Then put that gift to use.
Are you using your Spiritual Gift to strengthen the Church?
Reading Plan: Psalm 131, 132; 2 Kings 23:4-25; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Matt 9:18-26
No comments:
Post a Comment