What you believe ought to determine how you behave. What is it that you know about the gifts given to believers at the moment of our salvation? Did you know that you were gifted with spiritual gifts? The importance of the gifts does not lie on identifying what specific gifts we have, but rather how to implement them. The Corinthians compared themselves among themselves, and Paul describes it as "unwise" (2 Cor. 10:11). Pastor Holmes mentioned that spiritual gifts can be defined as, "The abilities made operational by the Holy Spirit of God for service." When you are saved, you receive newness of life (Romans 6; 2 Cor. 5:17), but also these gifts that allow you to live for Him. While we do not demand or develop these on our own-- all of them come from the Spirit of God (1 Peter 4:10), and He determines which ones we get. They are from Him, for Him. He has gifted us and created us exactly how he wants us to be for His purpose. One gift is not more important than other, though another's gift might be more prominent than another. Pastor said, "Don't sweat what you don't got." The gifts in the Bible that Paul mentions are always slightly different-- because it's not an exaustive list. They are all different, and they are all needful. Think about the church describes as a body-- what if it was only made of eyes? What if it were only made of hands? Diverse (differing) gifts are what God gives to us intentionally to make a healthy body possible! "God did not make us to compete, but to compliment and complete!" The purpose of the gifts are to benefit others! If they aren't being used, and not being used in love, then the entire body lacks. Our gifts must be in use so that we can minister to others, and ultimately glorify God. His exalting is our ultimate goal, so use your gifts He's given you to be a blessing!
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