“People do not know why they were born or where they are destined to go. This is the age of much know-how and little know-why. The invisible enemy of sin and secularism has left us dazed and bewildered. In the midst of the wreckage sits God’s intended rescue center, the church. . . . And behind it all, overseeing the operation is the Holy Spirit.”- Max Lucado
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”- 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)
In Chapter 12 (“You Unleashed: The Spirit As the Gift Giver”) of Help is Here, Max Lucado describes the Holy Spirit as the ultimate gift-giver. Therefore, Pastor Lucado underscores, the Holy Spirit ‘garnishes his children with supernatural abilities that glorify God, bless the needy, and edify the church.”
Hence, the Holy Spirit serves as Christ authorized distributor of gifts to His church. Above all, while these gifts are diverse, they possess a singular goal. The common good of the community.
in addition, Pastor Lucado asks us to keep six things in mind in regard to the gifts of the Spirit.
1. No gift list is complete. The New Testament contains at least five such lists. Thus, Max believes, the apostle Paul never intended to create an exhaustive list.
2. Not all gifts are given at the moment of conversion. Certainly, the apostle Paul exhorts us to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit. Most significantly, that’s part of the excitement of living in step with the Spirit.
3. Spiritual gifts are exactly that, gifts. You receive the charisma, but you don’t deserve or earn it. Therefore, the Spirit gives supernatural empowerments to believers by the grace of God.
4. Spiritual gifts are not an index of spiritual maturity. However, the presence of these gifts requires the maturity to use them in a wise manner.
5. Natural talents and spiritual gifts – not always identical. Often, Max observes, your spiritual gift is a divine application of your natural gift.
6. Spiritual gifts exalt Christ, edify the church, and bless the needy. The gifts of the Spirit build up the church. Rather than exalt the person.
Today’s question: How does your church serves as God’s intended rescue center? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Breathe on your dry bones”
