Footsteps #132

It was Paul who outlined a systematic theology of spiritual gifts. This theology intertwines with Jesus’ great commission in Matthew 28:16-20, His plan for reaching the world. In two places, Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses a body analogy to explain how spiritual gifts work. Though a human body is incredibly complex, all its members work together. Many bodily functions are automatic others we can control. The church is organized like a human body, the parts of which work together to accomplish a task. The church’s task is the advancement of the kingdom to the glory of God. 

It is easy to confuse spiritual gifts with natural talents. All of us possess inherited talents. Christians dedicate all their talents to the Lord, but the Holy Spirit does not always choose to convert natural talents into spiritual gifts. The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit. When I was milking cows and studying for a degree in agriculture, I had no idea that one day the Holy Spirit would bestow on me the gifts of hospitality, teaching, discernment, and public proclamation. I had no natural talents that would indicate these gifts. Natural talents, like music, can be converted by the Holy Spirit into spiritual gifts for the advancement of the kingdom of God. 

The Holy Spirit is now the active agent of Christ, the Head of the church on earth. The Holy Spirit launched and energized the early church (Acts.1:8). He gave people the instantaneous ability to speak in languages not their own (Acts.2:4), turned frightened disciples into bold preachers (Acts.4:1-3), directly indicated certain people for certain missions (Acts.13:2), solved doctrinal problems (Acts.15:28), prohibited missionaries from entering certain areas (Acts.16:6), directed them to other areas (Acts.16:10), and was the power behind all kinds of miracles (Acts/.19.) Do not neglect to consider the work of the Holy Spirit right now. Just prior to His leaving His disciples for the heavenly realms, Jesus encouraged them with the promise of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs as much to us today as it did to them.