Desire the Spiritual gift but above all seek to excel in edifying the church
Desire the Spiritual gift but above all seek to excel in edifying the church
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of Spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Another translation says you are so passionate about embracing the manifestations of the Holy Spirit! Now become more passionate about the things that strengthen the entire church.
Meaning, you show very strong feelings or ideas or ideas (passionate) about Spiritual gifts but be even more concerned about things that strengthen (edify) the entire church.
Christians today desire spiritual gifts so that they can show-off or boast that they are exceptional Christians or Have a very close relationship with God.
A Spiritual gift or chasing is an extra ordinary power given by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are believed to be special grace given by God to build the church. Like Prophecy, healing, interpretation of tongues etc. How can you ensure that receiving the Spiritual gift you desire can be used to build the church? You can!
- Spend time developing the gift
Ecclesiastes 9:10-11
1Corinthians 14:14-15
- Be ready and willing at all times to use it
Isaiah 61:1-3
2Timothy 4:2-3
- Do not show off be humble
Proverbs 14:26-27
1Peter 5:6
Spend time developing the gift
Ecclesiastes 9:10-11
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, no yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
There are 2 important things we have to learn from the passage above!
- Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all thy might
- Your hard work does not always ensure that you will succeed.
In order to ensure that whatever your hands find to do you must do it with all your might, make sure you develop your skills and knowledge on your career and ministry. Develop your gift by studying the word and praying to excel in the use of the gift to bless the church.
Secondly, as you develop and use your gift bear in mind that your success does not depend only on your own strength but on the grace of God.
1 Corinthians 14:14-15
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
This passage is trying to say that using your gift to edify yourself only is not enough. You have to think about the other members in the church.
If you pray in the Spirit for instance you edify yourself only but if you pray with your understanding as well other members of the church will also benefit.
Be ready and willing always to use your gift
Isaiah 61:1-3
This passage is very long it cannot be gaoted. Comments will given on it. The passage give details on what God called Isaiah to do. Simply put, he was to redeem the people of Israel from their burdens by busing the word of God in order to glorify His name.
No matter what kind of ministry God has called you into it will involve all the details the prophet Isaiah was given. Take it as your point of reference and use it in your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
This verse says we should be ready at all times to minister the word. You do not always need prior notice. Seize the opportunity to preach whenever you can.
Do not show-off, be humble
Proverbs 14:26-27
In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and His children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life…
Anyone who fears God or has reverence (respect) for God will not show –off with his/her gifts because he/she knows it is unwise to incur the wrath or anger of the Lord.
1peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
Do not try to project yourself or ministry through dubious means. Wait for God to lift you up.
Reference
