Mention the Holy Spirit among modern day Christians, and the subject of spiritual gifts will not be far away.  Three passages of Scripture (Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Corinthians 12) list a variety of gifts which are present in the church. 1 Corinthians 12:7 tells us that “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”, meaning that the Spirit of God is present in each of the gifts.

Each of the gifts are given for a specific purpose “the common good” and are not for the private benefit of any individual but for the glory of God through the maturation of the church. In addition, there have been volumes written on the need for believers to find their spiritual gifts, whereas the New Testament does not encourage any such search. Admittedly, one verse (1 Corinthians 12:31) has been construed to encourage believers to seek the “higher gifts”, however the words “earnestly desire” in the original language can be understood either in the present tense or as a command.  If Paul was speaking in a command form then we should indeed seek our particular gifts; but if he used the present tense (as is suggested by the context) then he was most likely rebuking them for seeking the greater gifts – and that would be why the chapter on love would need to be written.

The Holy Spirit gifts or enables people for service, and as such those gifts become known by the believers and the church, as we walk in the Spirit. For example, a person who has been gifted with the gifts of helps need not take a spiritual gift inventory to determine whether or not they have the gift of helps.  All they need to do is walk with the Lord and “helps” will ooze out of them in all sorts of ways. Those with the gift of wisdom, knowledge, or healing do not need to “find” their gift before they can use it. They simply need to be filled with the Spirit, and he will manifest that gift in his own way.  This does not mean an individual would not benefit from being trained in their area of giftedness.  Those who are gifted administrators can learn how to be better administrators, but the key point to understand is that spiritual gifts are gifts. They’re already present, not earned or determined. They are given by the Holy Spirit in the process of redemption, and are useful only when empowered by that same Spirit.

Dana Arledge, Phil Meade, Will Uminn, Kevin Farmer