Tuesday, January 20, 2015
1 Corinthians 12:7-9 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit….
"FOR THE PROFIT OF ALL"
Today's Bible section follows the holy truth that "no one can say that Jesus is the Lord except by the Holy Spirit." This means, fellow believer, that because you are one of those special souls who has learned to call Jesus Lord, YOU ARE ONE OF GOD'S GIFTED CHILDREN.
Luther may have had this text in mind when he wrote in the third article: "I believe that I cannot by my own thinking or choosing believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him, but the Holy Ghost has called me by the gospel, enlightened me with His gifts…."
Is one of your special gifts "the word of wisdom"? In this sin-infected world many people have a lot to say but not always with wisdom. Those with this gift have the ability to help people make Bible-based choices and sound judgments (based on facts, not feelings).
Or is one of your gifts "the word of knowledge"? Many people with lots of knowledge aren't able to express well what they know and understand. Those with this gift have an unusual grasp or understanding of the great truths of the Bible, especially of the "mystery" of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Or is your special gift "faith"? Yes, all believers have faith--saving faith. But since faith is listed separately here, it refers to an unshakable trust and confidence in God in difficult times. What a gift to have a faith that can sleep peacefully in a boat being tossed by the waves (not given to complaint under the cross). What a gift to have a faith that can walk on water (bearing up under difficult circumstances). What a gift to have a faith that trusts when threatened by persecution--by a fiery furnace or a lions' den, or worse.
Finally, what a blessing are those who love God's truth and at the same time have the gift of sharing it in a down-to-earth, practical way "for the profit of all."
Lord, by Spirit-given faith I am one of your gifted children. Help me to recognize my particular spiritual gift(s) and then to humbly share them for the profit of all. Amen.
