Daily Devotions

Paul tells us “The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church.” (1 Cor. 12:7, The Living Bible). This becomes a primary vehicle of Godly guidance in our lives. 

There is a scene in C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in which Father Christmas gives each of the Pevensie children a mysterious gift. They don’t realise it at the time, but these gifts prove essential in their coming battle with the White Witch. Peter suddenly sees that his sword was given to lead an assault; Lucy recognises that her gift—a healing ointment—was given to bind up the wounded in battle. Lewis’s imagery mirrors Paul’s claim in 1 Corinthians: we perceive what God wants by looking at the gifts he has placed within us.

Elsewhere, 1 Corinthians 12:7 is translated as “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each of us for the common good," This means that God's spiritual gifts are not for personal gain or to make one person seem more spiritual than another, but rather for the benefit of the whole church community. These gifts, which are supernatural abilities to serve, are given to each believer to help build up and serve the church. The primary focus is on using these gifts to bless others and contribute to the collective good.

However, there is a danger that we need to note when considering the Spirit's gifting. As  Lisa Bedrick, speaking of  the Charismatic Movement. “Some people are only “believers” because they want God to give them things; a thrill, money, spiritual gifts etc. but they never think twice about what THEY can give to God. They are Christian parasites, always wanting more, rather than Christian servants, who are always willing to give.”

Spirit of the living God, we praise and adore you for empowering us to claim membership of the body of Christ, a gift received through the fullness of your grace. Empower us anew, we pray, with tongues of fire and hearts of love to proclaim the reconciling word among people. Remind us that we are all members of the one body and if one member suffers, we all suffer. May we, as the body of Christ in this place, be the best evidence of your love by declaring and witnessing to this as the year of the Lord’s favour for all people. We give thanks that all of us are Christ’s body, and rejoice in each one being a part of it. Accept our adoration and praise for these great gifts, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen