Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (NIV)
Concerning Spiritual Gifts
12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Verses 4-6 indicate that some Corinthians felt certain spiritual gifts were better than others. Have you ever encountered a similar attitude? Or had that attitude yourself?
Thank You, Lord, that You gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and to guide our lives. Thank You for the diversity of skills, talents and gifts that You distribute to Your people. You give each of us different talents, desires and experiences that lead us in different directions to serve You. You lead everyone to humbly take steps of faith, sacrifice and service that impact the common good of others. You created us to live in community interdependent on each other. Those who preach or lead great efforts are dependent on the gifts of service of others. No matter how significant a person seems to be, they are only able to serve due to the indispensable acts of faith from the rest of Your body. Holy Spirit open my heart, and my eyes as I worship You. Give me Your direction as I soak up Your Word and spend time with You in prayer. Inspire me to take action. Let my motives be pure and humble. I believe that the seemingly insignificant tasks of faith are inspired by You to be used for Your kingdom. I know that Your Spirit will never lead me to do evil or self-serving things. Let me recognize when I am serving me and not You. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Thank You that You see every step of faith that I take to serve You and each is significant to You and to those I serve. Use all that I do for Your Glory. Amen