Friday 29 February 2008

For the profit of all

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: - 1 Corinthians 12v7

Yesterday it was clear that the Holy Spirit manifest Himself in different people in different ways and for different function. We all have different gifts, ministries, and activities.

Why are we all different? What is the purpose of all these differences? Clearly, my purpose is to glorify God, everything we do has that as a goal. Beyond that though one of the purposes for the gifts and abilities is spelled out here. The Holy Spirit manifests Himself to each one of us, in different ways, for the profit of all.

It begins to look like it really is not about us at all. We do all to the glory of God, everything. All the gifts and abilities that the Holy Spirit has given us are to profit everyone in the body. God doesn’t gift us to teach, preach, sing, play an instrument, work with children or teens, be fervent soul winners, open our homes to others, work with our hands, care for babies, prepare meals, or any other gift or ability to keep it to ourselves.

I realise that I am taking some liberty with the context here, but it is not much of a stretch. Each one of these things can be seen in the specific gifts God does spell out.

Whatever gift God has given we need to share it and see it as a chance to profit the whole body.

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