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I Corinthians 12.7 (NIV)
Now to each one the
manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
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| The gifts God has entrusted to us belong to the community of believers.* |
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I
know a family in which all four of the children look like their mother. I don’t
know them well so a closer inspection might reveal characteristics in each of
the children that prove that their father did provide some of their genetic
material. The father may be disappointed that the kids don’t take after his
side of the family in looks but maybe they make up for it in their
dispositions!
The
manifestations of the Spirit mentioned in this verse are similar to the genetic
clues in this family. It may be an obvious “endowment,” such as a preacher may
have, or it may be something more subtle, as in the gifts of encouraging or
generosity, but every Christian carries the “genetic code” that proves we are
Spirit-filled.
Paul
lists some of these manifestations of the Spirit in the next few verses: wisdom,
knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between
spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. It seems that the Corinthians
took “everything to excess – whether practicing immorality, celebrating the Lord’s
Supper, or exercising spiritual gifts.”* Whether those with the
flashier gifts were flaunting it over the others, or whether some were just
dissatisfied with their gifts, Paul felt the need to stress his concerns. He wanted to make sure that
they understood that God gives no gifts for any person’s “private advantage, or
exclusive profit.”*
Yes,
it benefits us individually to have the Spirit dwelling in us; he is our comforter, counselor, and intercessor. But the manifestation of his presence in our lives is a vehicle for
blessing the community of faith and advancing the kingdom on earth. Paul goes on to say, in verse 11, that the Spirit determines which gifts he will give us. Pray that yours won't be wasted.
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| Rather than being a measure of our spiritual depth, our gifts become a canvass on which we display our love.* |
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