Spiritual Gifts are for Right Now!

The Apostle Paul defines the motive for spiritual service throughout 1 Corinthians 12-14. He defines the church as an interconnected body of many parts or members. Each is unique, each is gifted, and each is essential! Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians addresses the motive for service with our unique giftings. Paul says that the only acceptable and worthwhile motive is sacrificial love. It doesn't matter how good a communicator you are (v1), how smart you are (v2), or even how much you sacrifice (v3). If agape love is missing--your service is of no use to God or anyone else! He goes on to clearly define love in verses 4-7. Don't dismiss this revealed high standard too quickly as out of reach or beyond you! God expects and demands this manner of service from His servants. The impossibility of the standard IS MADE POSSIBLE through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is first of all, LOVE. Jesus, himself said that we can love because God has first loved us! Your motive in service (love or something far less) is a clear indicator of the vitality of your relationship to God. No Love--No God! Know God--Know Love!

Paul's next point related to Spiritual Gifts is revealed in verses 8-13, Spiritual Gifts are for this life only! Only love lasts into the next life! Spiritual gifts will not be needed in Heaven. The gifts that we have been given only give us partial knowledge, partial understanding, partial power. "But when the PERFECT comes, the partial will be done away" (v10). What is the coming "Perfect"? It can only be Jesus Christ! Nothing else fits the definition. Paul goes on to say that when the Perfect comes we will see clearly, face to face, we will know fully even as we are fully known (v12). Only when Jesus returns will this happen! The canon of Scripture has not allowed me to know fully. It has not allowed me to see clearly. I find myself still looking through a dim mirror (literally polished bronze) trying to make out the image of God. That's why there are so many different "Bible-believing" denominations. We don't all see the same thing--we easily misinterpret what we dimly see. Paul's point is that we should spend our time investing in love--investing in our relationship with God. The skills I hone are not going to last--only love lasts forever!

"But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love" (v13). Why is love greater? Because of the three, only love lasts into Heaven! Faith is for now--not then! Faith is the evidence of things we cannot see. What use is faith when we can see all things? Hope is for now--not then! What use is hope when there is no pain or tragedy? Let me challenge you to invest in love! Spend hours alone in the presence of God receiving His love and receiving His Holy Spirit. If you spend enough time with Jesus--you'll start acting like Him!! Then, and only then, will your service be of value.