S24P6 – The work of the Spirit: gift-giving
1 Cor. 12:4-7, 11
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
One of the core characteristics of God is his generosity. Scripture tells us that He is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts. Our salvation story is a picture of this in that the Father gave his only Son to be the sacrifice that would absolve us of our sins. Likewise, the Son is just as generous. He told his disciples that upon his leaving He would leave them with his brand of peace to help sustain them in this order of things. It is no surprise, then, that the Spirit of God is also generous. Sometimes we may feel uncomfortable asking of God. Whether we are seeking from the Father, the Son, or the Spirit, we must understand that God wants us to seek the gifts that He has for us. And when it comes time for those gifts to be given, it is the Holy Spirit that imparts them to us in the kind and measure that He deems fit.
We must always remember that the Spirit’s distribution of spiritual gifts is according to a plan and purpose. Today’s scripture indicates that the Spirit doles out these gifts as He wills. One might be given the gift of prophecy while another is given the gift of knowledge. We might seek a specific gift and receive another, and that could cause us to have feelings of jealousy or ungratefulness. What we must remember is that the gifts that are distributed through the body are done so intentionally and purposefully. This is no random event. The body of Christ has different parts, and each part has its job. If the Spirit determines that my job is to heal, then that is the perfect job for me. If the Spirit determines that your job is to prophesy, then that is the perfect job for you. We were made for the gifts we receive, and those gifts were made for us.
We must trust that the Holy Spirit assigns spiritual gifts in a manner as perfectly as the godhead is perfect. There are no mistakes in this process. The generosity of the Spirit comes from a perfect place, and we are to seek after these gifts. There is no guilt in asking for them. These are the gifts that show the world to whom we belong. These are the gifts that give a testimony to the greatness and reality of who God is. These are the gifts that allow us to do what Jesus Christ said we would do, which is to perform even greater works than He. It is our duty to seek after the generosity of the Holy Spirit in giving the spiritual gifts that are available to us. Without them we cannot operate as God desires. Father, create in us a hunger for the gifts of the Spirit, and make us humble and appreciative of the gifts that are assigned to us for your perfect plan on purpose.