1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
There
are parallels and differentiations involving spiritual gifts and talents. Both
are aptitudes given by God and both mature in usefulness over time. God
intended both to be used for the benefit of other people, not for self-seeking
reasons. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, our text verse today, tells us
just that (1 Corinthians 12:7). The two greatest commandments are centered
around loving God and loving others; understandably, we should use our
spiritual gifts and talents for the good of God and others.
However,
there are differences when and how one might receive a talent or a spiritual
gift. Even if a person is void of a belief in God, a person can receive a
natural talent stemming from a blend of heredities and family history. I grew
into adulthood in a home that was multi-generational musicians; it went without
saying that we were all going to play a musical instrument. The only question
was which instrument and how many instruments. God bestowed that talent on me
as a small child, but it was not until many years into adulthood that I began
using that talent for God's glory and honor. God bestowed specific talents and
spiritual gifts on some individuals to carry out His plan, as exampled by
Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-6)
The
power of the Holy Spirit of God is how believers are given Spiritual gifts
(Romans 12:3,6) at the heartbeat that one surrenders their lives to Christ
Jesus and accepts Him as their Lord and Savior. Then, at the instant of
salvation, the Holy Spirit of God bestows on the new followers and believers
the spiritual gifts that God wishes them to have (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Although
someone might foster their talent that would guide their vocation or pastime,
spiritual gifts do not stem from a natural source but the Holy Spirit of God.
Instead, God bestows spiritual gifts to support and build up His universal
Church and, in extension, the local churches.
All
followers and believers in Christ Jesus are supposed to be functional in
furthering the gospel of Christ Jesus. Every church member should be active in
the service of God to build up the Body of Christ. All Christians should be
about our father’s business. (Luke 2:49). Every one of God's children are given
spiritual gifts so that they can participate in the cause of Christ Jesus on
earth, because of an appreciation for what God has done, is doing, and will
always do for us in this life and the life to come. The intentional outcome of
spiritual gifts is so that God’s Church will continue to grow and be strengthened
in and through the good works and deeds of the individual members of the Body
of Christ.
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