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There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
I grew up at the height of the televangelist age. Chuck on the TV early in the morning and you would see guys called Kenneth Copeland or Benny Hinn. Their programs usually took the form of a church service with music and a talk. Then would come the altar call where people would come up for healing.
There was a lot to be concerned about with these televangelists. But most of all, was how people treated them. It always seemed like the ‘healer’ was the focus rather than God.
But 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that it is God who is the source of any and every spiritual gift. There may be different kinds of gift and service, but behind them all is the same God.
This reminds us that whatever gifts we may have received from God, these do not elevate any one Christian over another. I didn’t do anything to earn the gifts I have received. Additionally, knowing the source of the gifts reminds us of who should get the glory for their results. It is God who heals, not the ‘healer’.
So, whatever the gift, whatever its results, they do not change the value of a believer nor do they change who should get the glory.
For Today:
Pray: Praise the Father that He is the glorious giver of gifts. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who is worthy of glory and praise. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others value all people equally and glorify God for His gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
I grew up at the height of the televangelist age. Chuck on the TV early in the morning and you would see guys called Kenneth Copeland or Benny Hinn. Their programs usually took the form of a church service with music and a talk. Then would come the altar call where people would come up for healing.
There was a lot to be concerned about with these televangelists. But most of all, was how people treated them. It always seemed like the ‘healer’ was the focus rather than God.
But 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that it is God who is the source of any and every spiritual gift. There may be different kinds of gift and service, but behind them all is the same God.
This reminds us that whatever gifts we may have received from God, these do not elevate any one Christian over another. I didn’t do anything to earn the gifts I have received. Additionally, knowing the source of the gifts reminds us of who should get the glory for their results. It is God who heals, not the ‘healer’.
So, whatever the gift, whatever its results, they do not change the value of a believer nor do they change who should get the glory.
For Today:
- Have you seen spiritual gifts used for human glory?
- Have you seen people be devalued or elevated because of their gift?
- How could we protect against the dangers of spiritual gifts?
Pray: Praise the Father that He is the glorious giver of gifts. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who is worthy of glory and praise. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others value all people equally and glorify God for His gifts.
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