For the Profit of All

I once was blessed to work very near a world-class art gallery.

During my lunch break, I had only a short distance to walk to see paintings by some of the world’s truly great painters.

A magnificent exhibition of impressionist art meant I could enjoy the beauty of priceless works of art by Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh, and others. Imagine if these supremely talented artists had not shared their talent with the world. Or if Shakespeare had not allowed others to see his writings.

Einstein might have pursued another career and only dabbled with science. What if people did not share their spiritual gifts? In 1 Corinthians 12:8–10, Paul lists a number of spiritual gifts when he speaks of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healings, miracle-working, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpreting tongues. He writes that “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (verse 7).

Every believer has been granted spiritual gifts, and they are imparted so that the body may be blessed and built up. Those with the gift of teaching should teach. Those with the gift of administration are urged by God to use that gift for His glory.

Someone’s God-given capacity for gaining wisdom isn’t granted so that the believer can be proud of his or her wisdom.

Someone with the gift of faith has been given that gift to use, not to neglect. It is not humility but disobedience that leads a person not to allow God to use his or her spiritual gift for the benefit of others. It is important for disciples of Jesus to know that spiritual gifts aren’t given by God for the recipient to hide under a bushel. Spiritual gifts are to be used to God’s glory for the benefit of others.

God doesn’t grant spiritual gifts just for the sake of granting spiritual gifts.

They are to be utilized in growing the kingdom of heaven and honoring the God of the universe. The Spirit is given so all can be blessed.