Gifts of the Spirit

Gifts of the Spirit 
By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Ephesians 4:12 reminds us that God has given Christians spiritual gifts to be used for building up the body of Christ.  1 Corinthians 12: 7 confirms this truth: “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  If we misuse our spiritual gifts, we cannot fulfill the destiny God has ordained for each of His children.
Judges 16:23-31 relates the story of Samson after he had been captured and blinded by the Philistines.   Samson had misused the gifts that God had given him and had fallen into sexual sin that led him, blinded and humiliated, into slavery. 
         The Holy Spirit had come upon Samson while he was still in his mother’s womb and had endowed him with the gift of leadership to judge (to lead in wisdom)  the nation of Israel.  Samson's gift was to be used for the common good of God's people.   Even though Samson judged Israel well for many years, he became involved in the worldly pursuits of fame and pleasure and betrayed his gift.  The consequence of Samson's betrayal is a warning to all believers.  
         Yet, in spite of the sin in Samson's life, in spite of his broken vows, God answered when Samson, in desperation, called on the name of the Lord.  Because His mercy is greater than our sin, Our Lord strengthened Samson for his final battle against the Philistines.  Samson not only avenged the loss of his sight, he glorified the Lord God in his fight to the death.  
We each have gifts to use for the common good and for the glory of God.  Our gifts enable us to serve one another while we are serving the Lord.  Because each gift is necessary in bringing the Christ’s message to the world, we must be willing to use our gifts and to allow others to use theirs. Ephesians 4:15-16a: “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
Heavenly Father, You are the giver of every good and perfect gift.  You have blessed us that we might serve.  We confess that we have often misused and ignored Your gifts not only in ourselves but also in our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We thank You for the mercy of Your forgiveness.   Amen.

I will be teaching a study of "The Harbinger" starting February 28 at Rhema Fellowship, 206 6th Ave. in Torrington,WY at 7:00 p.m. It will be a 13 week study. Purchase a copy of the book and the Companion study guide and join us.)