"That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:26-27)
We are informed from the scriptures that the Lord Jesus not only loves the body of Christ church but that He "cherishes" each and every one of us also. In this context, one of the many dictionary meanings available for cherish includes: "To cherish something is to care for it deeply, to treasure it, like the way you cherish the time you spend with a favorite person you don't see often." As believers in Jesus the Christ by faith we already know how much we are cherished/treasured because we possess in our hearts the blessed assurance of His love and mercy and grace from our Lord God and Saviour who dwells within.
But are we also aware that we can expect to receive spiritual gifts -- diversities of gifts; differences of administrations; diversities of operations; in addition to the nine spiritual gifts cited in I Corinthians 12? Some might already be asking -- why does this matter? Or, others suggesting, that these gifts ended with the demise of the apostles. Let no man deceive you. As apostle Paul states, "Now concerning spiritual [gifts] brethren, I would NOT have you ignorant." (I Corinthians 12:1)
Note that Paul is speaking herein to the Gentiles who were once carried away unto these dumb idols, and his words succinct so that there will be/is no schism within the body of Christ. Similarly, recognizing that as this world becoming darker, we who believe are going to need to stand firmly against the wiles of the devil and against the spiritual wickedness that [soon/now] exists in high places.
Still, for those who love the Lord our God and Saviour with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, His Spirit willingly divides to EVERY man spiritual gifts severally as He will. These spiritual gifts include: the word of wisdom; the word of knowledge; faith; the gifts of healing; the working of miracles; prophecy; discerning of spirits; [diverse] kinds of tongues; the interpretation of tongues; and also, faith, hope and charity, of which the greatest of these three is charity. (I Corinthians 12:1-31; I Corinthians 13:1-13)
"All these work that One and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many ..." (I Corinthians 12:1-31)
Yes, we are baptized into the body of Christ. Jesus is the Head of the Church, the One and Only blessed Potentate. And we who believe, according to scripture, are set into the body, as it hath pleased Him. Thus, there are no parts of the body that are less honourable, because those which we may think to be less honourable, we are actually instructed to bestow more abundant honour, so that our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
Why? So that there is no schism in the body, and that the members would have the same care for another. We see this "one accord" on the day of Pentecost, when the first 3,000 souls saved (repentance, water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost) arranged their affairs so that none that were within the body of Christ would be without. (Acts 2:36-47) And yes, this requires caring for one another as indeed the Lord has cared for us, in that the Good Shepherd laid down His life -- His humanity, for the sheep. But I digress somewhat.
Getting back to my original point -- why should we desire spiritual gifts? As the scriptures state, so that we can be edified and strengthened in fighting the good fight, and knowing that we have finished our course, because we have kept the faith. So that we can be assured that the victory to those matters we put hand to plow is nigh. And because we know in whom we have believed, being persuaded that He is able to keep that which we commit unto Him against that day. (II Timothy 1:12)
Indeed, that He is able to keep every single thing that we commit unto Him against that day.
Just like the fathers who were under the cloud and all passing through the sea, and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink -- for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them -- the Rock that was Christ, we who believe also are to stand firm, not wavering in our faith in Jesus. (I Corinthians 10:1-4)
Therefore, our faith journey should include pressing into our Lord for the many gifts He desires to bestow upon us who believe in Him as our Lord God and Saviour. Those of us who were once only servants, but now He calls us His friends. Part of His family wherein we can identify and become like our Saviour. As one good friend recently inserted in her newsletter, Jesus is a good family name for everyone.
And yet, even so, as Isaiah 28:11-12 states: "In the law it is written, "With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that, will they not hear Me," saith the Lord!" (I Corinthians 14:21) Let's remember this thought as we seek more of Jesus and and much less of the things of this world, because as we who are aware of the signs and the times see, our Saviour's coming for His chosen people is drawing nigh. In so doing remember too that our re-reward is in heaven.
"Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." (II Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; John 5:22)
Meditate on His Word this day. Commune with the Lord in everything you do. But most of all, desire the Lord's best gifts for you, without neglecting the other that ought to be done also.
Stand in the offering plate.
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