Journal 1 Cor 12 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Cor 12:7
Observation: This is a can of worms for a lot of Christians.
Analysis: How do I read 1 Cor 12? Do I read it honestly with candor? Or do I put a twist in it?
I think a lot of folks put a twist in it, at least up to the point of saying, “I believe it can happen; it is what the Bible says, but maybe not for me personally.” Maybe it is a doctrinal position developed by either a local congregation or by the governing body of a group of churches.
The point that I want to bring up today is that 1 Cor 12 through the first part of 1 Cor 14 is all about the Manifestation of the Spirit—all the supernatural Gifts that the Holy Spirit made a point of listing. And with this exclamation point: Gifts are for the common good.
Ok, I agree with this: Spiritual Gifts have been publicly abused (for decades and decades). And with that abuse will come a reluctance to practice them, even ignore the gifts by twisting the truth and explain them away by insinuating “it is not for our time…”
But what if there were vision to encourage the practices as part of the presentation of the Gospel? What if we were seeking God about how to make practicing the Gifts in a mature manner, looking to serve the local church, practicing for the benefit of the local Body? What if my faith in His Grace extended to being considered a fool for stretching out publicly in this manner? What if I could pocket my fear long enough to even try?
What would God accomplish if I could do that? Would He use me as an Instrument of His Grace in this manner?
Prayer: Lord, you have given me encouragement all through the years about practicing Gifts and I still struggle with fear of stretching out publicly. “What if I fail?” whispers the accuser? I forget that any success in the implementation of the Gift exercised and/or confirmation comes from His Hand—my success/failures are measured by just trying, just like speaking of the Gospel. I can’t save anyone, nor can I heal anyone.
Father, I want to be wise and smart/learned concerning the Scriptures, but more than that I want to be an Applied Disciple. Leaning on You, O Lord God.
Amen
Ricky Two Shoes