Maurice Andre was one of the best trumpet players the world has known. He once said that a good trumpet player had to be “like a matador in a bull ring.” He continued, “I see flutists and oboists go on the stage gingerly. If you do that with the trumpet you’re finished.” I believe he was saying that only a certain personality type possesses what it takes to succeed as a trumpet player. Trumpeters can’t hide; every note is heard by every listener! If you don’t have the God-given disposition to handle that, it can truly destroy you.
The apostle Paul described the various gifts given to the members of the church by the Holy Spirit. He stressed that all the gifts are a part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14-18) and all are interdependent (1 Corinthians 12:15-17). He further emphasized that each gift was given to particular people, and not everyone exercised the same gift. We all have our special gift or gifts (1 Corinthians 12:27-30). The problem that existed then—and still does today—is that some gifts seem to make for greater recognition than others, and in our humanness we tend to crave those gifts instead of simply playing our part.
But that’s not God’s way, for playing that game will only lead to disharmony within the body and dissatisfaction within ourselves. Speaking of the church, Paul wrote, “All of you together are Christ’s body” (1 Corinthians 12:27). God made us and has gifted us in ways to complement one another. Our role is to agree with Him, embrace the role(s) He has for us, and enjoy being a part of the “orchestra” that is the body of Christ. We’re all needed and must play the part God has given us—for His honor and for our good.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ruth 3:1-18
More:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 and consider why Paul wrote this chapter immediately after discussing the exercising of our gifts within the body of Christ.
Next:
How can you use your gift(s) to bless the other members of the body of Christ? How can you encourage others to fulfill their calling?
Gary Shultz on March 17, 2017 at 4:57 am
Hi Russell: Gifts it is, finding gifts for many is a difficult task. I don’t think God meant it to be, but usually it is not without some engagement that gifts are found. Prayer and some honest openness before God should get one pointed in the right direction, even speaking with someone who knows you well. If you’re dedicated, God will want you plugged into the church to help fulfill your part of a stronger family(body). I also work on other things that are not gifts, like loving one another, being kind, praying for one another. There not gifts, they are commands and we often let these foundation things slip on the quest to work out our gift(s). Balance, humbleness, and a proper view of the body, as you indicate. Andre’s statements ring with truth, because once your gift is truly found it will be a fit and a joy for you and the rest of the church. Allowing your self to be used where, when, why and how God wants you to be used is one’s call. Thanks Russell
sandy229 on March 17, 2017 at 11:51 am
“Allowing your self to be used where, when, why and how God wants you to be used is one’s call. ”
Amen Gary! I love that.
Gary Shultz on March 17, 2017 at 5:19 am
Hi GG: Sorry. I see posts in my rear view mirror, I’m sorry for your pain. The statement from today’s ODB is so very true – “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. – Jim Elliot” As you work with that, may the “familie’s” prayer for you, to our Father, help lift you to peace in the storm.
gagirllive on March 17, 2017 at 8:36 am
Amen, Gary. “Peace in the storm”…that’s what I’m experiencing. Thank you for praying.
sandy229 on March 17, 2017 at 11:48 am
🙂
gagirllive on March 17, 2017 at 8:31 am
Amen, Russell. Without LOVE none of the gifts are of real value. Love must always be our motivation in serving God and in serving one another. It’s obvious that some in the Church have turned spiritual gifts—from the assessment of them to the use of them—into something altogether different from what God intended. Apparently, like the church at Corinth, we are still prone to the making of a cacophony rather than a harmony when it comes to exercising our spiritual gifts. In an old book entitled Grow in Grace, author Sinclair Ferguson writes an exhortation that I find very helpful: “When we exercise the gifts which Christ has given us, we are really saying to our fellow Christians and others: See how much the Lord Jesus Christ loves you and cares for you? He has sent me to serve you in this way. He is using my hands and feet, my lips and ears, to show you His love. It is a tragic mistake if we think that the message is: See what a superb Christian I am; see the wonderful gifts I have. Gifts are for service not self-advancement.” To me, that succinctly tells us how to view and use our spiritual gifts the way God intended. They are love-gifts—grace-gifts to bless and serve one another as part of Christ’s body. He wants to use us to love on one another. Imagine that. 🙂 How that must honor Him when we each play our part! Thanks, Russell. Grace and peace to all. ♡
sandy229 on March 17, 2017 at 10:37 am
Amen GAgirl!!
sandy229 on March 17, 2017 at 11:46 am
Thank you Russell for this powerful devotion today!
Spiritual gifts are portions of God’s grace. They display the personal, powerful presence of the Holy Spirit and are given to every believer for the common good of the church. Though we vary in what seems to be each believer’s “dominant” gifting from God’s creative work in us, the Holy Spirit will give us whatever is needed (v.11) to minister to distinct circumstances. He distributes these freely and readily in the moment of in the moment of need in order to enable the believer’s ministry in Jesus’ name. Spiritual gifts are not badges of honor or signs of spiritual maturity. They are not “earned.” Our attitude concerning the gifts is to be willing, available, goodhearted friends of Jesus. We are to be compassionate friends of those in need, confident of God’s promises and power-gifts to serve such need (John 14:12, 26; 16:13) Acts 2:42-47/John 16:14,15
Devotion to God becomes truly dynamic when the Holy Spirit is allowed free access in our lives to teach us, to give us gifts, and to manifest the presence of the Lord. There is nothing more exciting and wonderfully fulfilling than deeply knowing, loving, and experiencing a close, intimate relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
We should earnestly desire spiritual gifts, keeping our hearts available to the Spirit’s resources of gifts and power for serving and loving others.
The gifts of the Spirit manifest the love the love of God in particular situations within the community of faith. For Paul, as for John (John 3:16; 1 John 4:7-10), love is the defining characteristic of God’s presence among His people. Therefore, it should be the defining characteristic of God’s people themselves.
Do all things for the glory of God. Let God’s unconditional love permeate your attitudes, motives, thoughts, words, and actions. Understand that love authenticates spiritual gifts. Because human nature remains the same, we find ourselves facing the same issues and needing the same instruction as the Corinthians did. Our source of power for godly living remains in the Cross and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The motive for our godliness continues to be love, and our goal to glorify God. Diligently study this book and allow the truth to change the way your live.
Do not neglect church discipline. Honor all members of the body, rejoice with them in their successes in the Lord, and care for one another. Utilize your gifts for the good of the whole body.
minkjh on March 17, 2017 at 5:17 pm
While he briefly mentions the topic in his letters to the Romans and the Ephesians, Paul once again has demonstrated his theological expertise with this discussion of spiritual gifts here in the first Corinthian epistle. Russell could not have chosen a more appropriate title for this post, for when we get to the heart of Chapter 12 we see the Apostle beautifully contrast those gifted who feel acute inferiority compared to ones who display pronounced superiority within the body of believers. Remedial effort is required for any body to properly function unless the desired result is to maintain status quo and eventually wind up on life support. While it may take some effort to build up those who think their work is not important, the difficult part lies with handling those who are certain they’re jacks of all trades and have all the answers.