Thanks for joining me again this week as we continue to explore the spiritual gifts and the importance of stirring them up! In last week’s blog, we were reviewing 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 to get answers regarding spiritual gifts.

⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ⁶And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. ⁷But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. ⁸For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ⁹To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ¹⁰To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: ¹¹But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Cor. 12:4-11)

The first four questions we answered last time were:

1. What are these gifts (charismas)?
2. Where do the gifts come from?
3. Who are gifts given to?
4. Why are the gifts given?

If you missed last week’s blog and want the answers to these questions, you can click on this link Arise, Shine!! (Part 2)

Today, we answer two more questions.

5. Who decides who gets which gift(s)?

We find the answer to this question in verse 11, which says, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally (individually) as he will (chooses)”. It is therefore clear that it is Holy Spirit who decides which gifts we are given.

6. If I receive the same gift as you will it manifest in the same way?

Our answer is in verses 4 – 6.

⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ⁶And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)

I interpret these verses to be saying that not only are there different gifts but there are different ways in which these gifts will be administered and operated by those who have received them. God is a God of variety. We are supposed to be different, so we need to stop trying to be like other people. For example, I have the prophetic gift but the way the prophetic gift works in and through me is different from the way it will work in and through another prophet. Some prophets receive messages in the form of visions, some receive messages through hearing Holy Spirit in their minds, some receive messages and are commanded to write them down and, as they write, the message just flows out of their spirit onto the page. Some prophets are called to churches, some are called to nations, some are called to minister prophetic words to individuals. Sometimes a word will come in tongues requiring someone to interpret. Another time it will come in English not requiring an interpreter. The prophetic word can come in the form of a song, a dance or a message that is preached. The prophet may be led by Holy Spirit to pray following the delivery of the word or not to pray. The prophetic word can be for exhortation, edification or comfort or it can be to foretell of judgment because of sin and disobedience. There can also be any mix of these administrations and operations of the prophetic gift in one individual at different points in time. This goes for all of the spiritual gifts.

We all have different personalities and this will also influence how the spiritual gift is manifested in and through our lives. The take home message is not to worry if you don’t see your gift manifesting the same way as someone else who has the same gift. Do not be afraid to be your own unique self. If God wanted us to be exactly the same, He would have started by making us all look alike. And we certainly don’t 😊. Not only are we all different, we are also called to minister to different target groups and the manifestation of your gift will be in line with the needs of the target group or individual. The bottom line is to be led by Holy Spirit in the use of the gifts He has given.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Rom. 8:14)

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. (Zec. 4:6)

There is one more question to be answered but I will save that for next week. Until then, continue to follow God’s commands in Romans 12:1-2.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom. 12:1-2)

Shalom.