The Gift that (God) Keeps on Giving
In the last few days, I’ve read several very good posts on the topic of spiritual gifts.
Donald at “The Unapologetic Poet” wrote a post called “One Body, Many Parts, Indeed: Embrace Your Calling.”
Jim at “Crossroad Junction” wrote “Gifts, Calling and Validation.” (I just realized that this is an older post, but it showed up in my Google Reader. I read it, and I’m sharing it with you now.)
Dan at “Cerulean Sanctum” wrote “No Room for Prophets: When Your Church Rejects Your Spiritual Gift.”
Believe it or not, I’m glad that Scripture silent about many aspects related to spiritual gifts. Seriously.
So, I thought I would ask you a question that I often consider for myself: If you could understand better one thing about spiritual gifts, what would it be?
The first teacher I had in the faith taught us that
the gifts of the Spirit are given, and strategically designed
to assist God in producing the fruit of His Spirit in us.
Properly appropriated, I havnt witnessed a contradiction
to that maxim in my lifetime. Improper understanding and
use of His power has sadly produced volumes of evidence
for all to see, and ridicule for God & all things holy.
But He is wonderfully & mercifully forgiving, and has
apparently begun to recover His testimony, which we
seem to be the first fruits of that recovery.
Greg
Alan,
Thanks for the link back to my post at Cerulean Sanctum.
To your question, I guess I don’t need more theoretical understanding. If I could have one insight into spiritual gifts, I would like to witness a contemporary church using spiritual gifts in a way that conforms fully to the standard set forth in the Bible. Real praxis, not talk or theories.
Now, where can I find this church?! 😉
Greg,
Yes, that idea of “producing fruit of His Spirit in us” is expressed in several different way in Scripture: building up, the common good, maturity, etc.
Dan,
Is there any particular standard set forth in the Bible that you had in mind?
-Alan
Alan,
I returned from my vacation with family to discover you had linked my blog to yours via this posting. Thanks!
I’d like to know what they are, and how I can use them. Being a woman, I have been told that I can only make phone calls to women or help in the kitchen or nursery. I have since left this church. I have an MBA in Finance and Economics, am a computer expert, and a musician.
Donald,
Thank YOU for the great post.
Susan,
My suggestion: Begin serving people as God brings them into your life. He’ll show you through your service how he has gifted you.
-Alan