“Eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most
excellent way.” (1Corinthians 12:31NIV)
It must be pride that makes us desire to possess “the greatest gifts.” Yet,
in another context, Paul said that desire is a good thing. And even in today’s
passage, he encourages the saints to “eagerly desire the greater gifts.” So
desire is not a bad thing, if we desire for the right thing. But deciding what
that is may be the real issue.
in another context, Paul said that desire is a good thing. And even in today’s
passage, he encourages the saints to “eagerly desire the greater gifts.” So
desire is not a bad thing, if we desire for the right thing. But deciding what
that is may be the real issue.
At first glimpse, thinking that the best way
to serve Jesus is to possess “the greater gifts” may be a good way of thinking?
But is there “a more excellent way” of serving Jesus? Surely operating with the
spiritual gifts would be a marvelous way to serve Jesus.
to serve Jesus is to possess “the greater gifts” may be a good way of thinking?
But is there “a more excellent way” of serving Jesus? Surely operating with the
spiritual gifts would be a marvelous way to serve Jesus.
Is there a better way to express spirituality
than to allow the gifts of the Spirit to operate in and through you? From a
human viewpoint the operation of the gifts is a sure sign of deep spirituality.
Yet, Paul claims there is a better way.
than to allow the gifts of the Spirit to operate in and through you? From a
human viewpoint the operation of the gifts is a sure sign of deep spirituality.
Yet, Paul claims there is a better way.
Is it possible that charlatans can exhibit
the gifts? Can deceivers exhibit
knowledge of mysteries? Can false teachers possess mountain-moving faith? Of
course the answer is yes to these questions.
the gifts? Can deceivers exhibit
knowledge of mysteries? Can false teachers possess mountain-moving faith? Of
course the answer is yes to these questions.
But “the most excellent way” is extremely
difficult to portray. It must be the real thing. It has certain elements that
cannot be counterfeited. And in the final analysis, the most excellent way is
the right thing too.
difficult to portray. It must be the real thing. It has certain elements that
cannot be counterfeited. And in the final analysis, the most excellent way is
the right thing too.
Dear Father, thank you for your love. Empower
us to live and act in the most excellent way. This I pray in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
us to live and act in the most excellent way. This I pray in the name of Jesus.
AMEN
Be strong and courageous today in the most
excellent way,
excellent way,