Gifting that Edifies the Church

Scripture: Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 1 Corinthians 14:12

Observation: In the discussion of various spiritual gifts, but primarily the gift of tongues, Paul distinguishes between gifts that edify and serve the church, and those that do not. Tongues falls into the latter category ... it is a prayer language for honoring God, but it doesn't serve the church well since it is meaningless when others hear it. Paul instead talks about the gift of prophesy as a gift that does serve the church. When speaking to the church - and doing so with the spiritual gift to understand and proclaim a truth from God - a person helps the church to know what they should do. In summary, Paul states it is for such gifts that serve the church that members should seek growth and gifting.

While tongues comes up often, Paul is often promoting and explaining other gifts. He has already listed certain gifts of being of the most importance, including apostleship, teaching, and evangelism. There are others in the early church who also promote gifts specifically designed to strengthen the church, for example one of the very first items James addresses is desiring the gift of wisdom.

Application: I have taken several 'tests' to determine where my gifting may be. There are times the Holy Spirit has revealed words of knowledge to me, or helped me discern a truth, but clearly my top spiritual gift is ... administration. I kinda hate that. Administration doesn't feel very holy. However, that attitude is certainly my pride interfering with the use of that gift in the church.

As a result of my gifting, our church has been successful in two major annual undertakings. I created and usually lead our hosting efforts at our Christmas lights show, witnessed by over 60,000 people, with an outcome being many people who have come to faith by first becoming curious about church at the lights. For eight years, I have coordinated our volunteers that support the city's July 4th parade, with the result being that our church has unusual favor with our city and is often a place city officials turn to for assistance. When our church readied to reopen to live attendance after lockdown, I was one of the non-staff people brought in to coordinate it.

I may wish I could prophesy, but that isn't my role. My role in our church is to organize and plan. I am good at it because the Holy Spirit makes me good at it. Therefore, when I do it, I am interacting with God. How can I hate that?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you this day for the power and blessing of your Holy Spirit. You have gifted me for your service, and there is no greater honor I could ever ask than to be able to serve you well. I thank you for this, and look forward to how you will use me this day and every day to come. Amen.