Growing In Spiritual Gifts
The apostle Paul did not want believers to be misinformed about spiritual gifts. It was his desire that these disciples (and us too) would understand that spiritual gifts are available to everyone. While God’s body is made up of diverse cultures, personalities, and talents, it is the same Spirit working in each person. The use of spiritual gifts was not intended to be a sign of spiritual maturity or convey any sort of superiority. Rather, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The chapter concludes with Paul’s admonition to desire the best gift which begs the question, why are some people still struggling to be used in the gifts of the Spirit?
It is wise to remember that how God works with someone else may not be how He works with you. 1 Corinthians 12:6 says, “God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” As we pursue personal growth, we should be slow to judge and quick to learn. With that, here are three reasons to consider why someone might be struggling to work with God in spiritual ministry.
There is a lack of desire. God will not use you if you do not desire it. Paul told young Timothy to “stir up the gift which is in you” (1 Timothy 1:6). He is stirring the passion and interest of this young man to access what God had made available to Him. You might receive encouragement in this regard but ultimately, this is a battle that you’ve got to win for yourself. At some point, you’ve got to get hungry and seek God for yourself.
There is a lack of understanding. Sometimes there is a great desire but a missing understanding that keeps people from being used in spiritual gifts. You might want to but simply don’t know how too. You feel the burden but do not know the principles. Just as Timothy was encouraged by his elder, we too can rely on the instruction of leaders to help us learn the ways of God. These trusted voices will help make known and simplify the truths of Scripture and dynamics of the Spirit.
There is the bondage of fear. After provoking at his passion, Paul told Timothy that fear does not come from God (1 Timothy 1:7). This is a crippling reality many people face. You might desire and even understand how God works but fear keeps you from yielding to work with God. This fear must be surrendered to and conquered by Jesus Christ. It is a battle of your heart that He will deal with in the intimacy of personal relationship; scripture promises us that “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).
So, what is the best gift? It is the most helpful gift. The best gift is whatever gift of the Spirit is needed to meet the need at that specific moment, and it is the will of God for you to desire it, understand it and be used in it.
