CHOOSING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The Word of God says there are a variety of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12). But it encourages believers to “earnestly desire the higher gifts” (verse 31).
DESIRING MORE NOTICEABLE GIFTS
Some people may view more noticeable gifts, like preaching, being worship leaders and occupying prominent positions in the church community as the higher or more important spiritual gifts. Such gifts are important for effective operation of many churches. The Word of God even tell believers: “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1Timothy 5:17). However, the Bible also lets believers know, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us [earnest believers] so we can help each other” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
All born-again believers are “children of God”, with important roles in the kingdom of God (1 John 3:1).
CHOOSING SPIRIT-INSPIRED GIFTS
The Word reveals that the greatest gift of God is the gift of his Son who died for whoever believe in him (John 3:16). And of all the spirit gifts given to believers by the Spirit of God, “the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
To inspire and teach believers to love the Lord God with all their hearts and love others as Christ have love them, the Spirit has given various gifts to the body of believers.
Acts of genuine love may go unnoticed by many, but God looks at the heart (Luke 16:15;1 Romans 8:27). A person is rewarded for doing what God wants, rather than, doing what he or she wants to do for God. For example, the Lord rejected some people who boasted of preaching, casting out demons and performing miracles (Matthew 7:22). But the Lord rewarded those who did what he wanted—showing love–even when unnoticed by people. (Mathew 25:34-40).
In having the love of God, you have chosen the greatest spiritual gift with the greatest reward. Thank God.
