SCRIPTURE: 1Corinthians (NIV) 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
1Corinthians (NIV) 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
OBSERVATION: Paul did not tell the church to try to “use” the gifts, but to try to “excel” in the gifts. Obviously, God wants an abundance of gifts operating in the church.
From the context, Paul is clearly speaking of the gifts given to each believer by the Holy Spirit. But it is true of any gifts or talents God has given us. We have not been blessed with talents or special abilities just for our own benefit. God has distributed His various gifts and abilities among us to make us more useful to Him and to those around us!
APPLICATION: I think that Paul would write to today’s church that we should “USE” the gifts. Once we use the spiritual gifts listed in this chapter, we can work to excel in them. If I never, or seldom, use the gifts, I will never excel.
But even more, whatever gift or talent or special ability or interest, or money, or possessions, or something I was born with, or have inherited or received, or earned, or received as an award, or anything in my life… just whatever I possess should be used for the Lord and for His glory! I should seek to excel in using my talent for the Lord.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help us be the church today that Jesus desires and deserves. I want to take your word seriously not just to use the gifts you have given me, but to make effort to excel in using what I have for your glory and the benefit of your church. Amen
Pastor Leon
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