Why do some people have certain gifts of the Spirit, while other people have different gifts? Is this a good thing? What is the purpose of gifts of the Spirit? Is is possible to file a grievance if I did not receive the gift(s) that I would like to be endowed with? As a child of God am I entitled to gifts of the Spirit and if so why can't I pick the gifts I want?
Forgive me for having a little fun here. We witness Paul confronting a significant problem in the Corinthian church. The Corinthians completely misunderstood spiritual gifts and their purpose. They desired the more spectacular spiritual gifts. Paul gives a basic explanation of spiritual gifts (4–11) and emphasizes that they are to be exercised in the context of the church and he uses the human body as a metaphor (12–13). This is unpacked more fully in chapter 14. Paul teaches that the gifts are given for the building up and the edification of the church...not individuals!
1 Co 14:3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.
1 Co 14:5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
1 Co 14:12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
1 Co 14:26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
In the body every gift is essential (14–24). Division in the body based on the supposed superiority of one gift over another—like any divisive issue—affects the whole body’s growth and health (25–27). Though all have different gifts, each believer is an equally important member of the body of Christ (28–31). LET ME SAY THIS AGAIN AND A LITTLE LOUDER...(YOU MAY BE THINKING ALL CAPS, OOOOH, HE MUST BE SHOUTING, YES I AM) EACH BELIEVER is equally IMPORTANT. It is only in our fallen nature that we have valued certain gifts over the others.
If the Spirit of the living God determines it important enough to place the gift within the body by HIS sovereign will...IT IS IMPORTANT! I don't believe that God wastes any energy, everything HE does has purpose. "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills." 1 Co 12:11
Paul presses the point powerfully with the body metaphor...the body is a body...how ridiculous to elevate one part of the body over another...and yet we fall prey to this every day!
Father in heaven,
Enable us to experience true unity that comes only through the filling of YOUR precious Holy Spirit and as we are filled with YOUR presence enable us to celebrate the beautiful diversity of the body that YOU have created!
Please work this in the precious name of Jesus Christ.
love,
m