Lydia Fuller
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 4:11)
If I were to ask you, “What are your giftings, or what spiritual gifts do you desire?”, would you have an answer? According to the following verses of 1 Corinthians: 7-10, the gifts are wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discernment of spirits, speaking in different tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Verse 11 goes on to say that ‘All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as he determines’.
When we feel called by the Lord regarding a certain gift(s), and we set our hearts toward that, one question that must reverberate in our minds is formed in one simple word… Why? Why do we yearn for these gifts, or better yet, why do we desire to be a teacher, prophet, pastor, evangelist, worship leader, small group leader, missionary, etc.? We must ask ourselves this question, and we must ask it while inviting the Holy Spirit to search us in this. It is imperative that we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hidden motives, because, well, they are hidden, meaning we may not be able to ‘see’ them and we may not even know they are there. But He is able, and ‘He searches all things, even the deep things of God’ (see 1 Corinthians 2:10). He is also able to bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of hearts (see 1 Corinthians 4:5). That should not only put the fear of the Lord in our hearts, but bring us to a place of great joy and submission as well. When you submit, yield, and consecrate the gifts He has given you back to Him for His plans and purposes, it will stir a deep and inner working of the Spirit that will not only reveal true motives, but will purify those motives as well, all the while developing a closer and more intimate relationship with Him.
The Holy Spirit longs for relationship with us, and longs to partner with us. I pray that we, as a body and as a family, will consecrate all the beautiful gifts He has given us, so that He may receive the glory that He deserves, and that we may be sanctified and purified to be the beautiful bride He has created us to be.
May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
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