“It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these (spiritual) gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” -1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT)
As we prepare to blast through the holiday season can you recall a time as a child when you focused on what gift you didn’t receive for Christmas? How about that time you were upset because you opened something you didn’t want? Perhaps it went something like this with you or even one of your kids: “Yes!!!” picking up and shaking the gift. “I’m so pumped! I know exactly what this is! It’s the new Madden ’15 for my Xbox, baby!” Opens present. “What?! Home Alone 4! Is this some kind of cruel joke?! This Christmas sucks.”
We can and should desire specific, or as Paul said, greater spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31) but ultimately it is GOD who determines which gifts we receive as He is the One who distributes them. So let’s not be like a spoiled child who complains and cries on Christmas morning because we didn’t get what we wanted and instead be grateful for the gifts given to us.
I know some people who were devastated because they didn’t receive the spiritual gift they desired. If you’re one of them, let these words from Apostle Paul comfort you:
“Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in tongues? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!” -1 Corinthians 12:30
Heres’ the deal: Spiritual gifts aren’t for us. They’re for others!
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. -1 Corinthians 12:7
There are three takeaways here:
1. The Holy Spirit distributes each gift.
2. Be satisfied with the gift(s) you receive.
3. Use your gift to help others.
#HelpPeopleWin
So good!