There are many different gifts imparted to believers by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11). There are gifts of leadership, such as pastors, teachers, and administration. There are gifts of practical assistance, such as generous giving. There are gifts of revelation, such as words of wisdom. There are gifts of power, such as healing faith. And there are gifts of worship, such as prophecy and speaking in tongues.
The Holy Spirit gives these gifts so that we may share them with others. The purpose of each of these gifts is to build up the church, which is the body of Christ. Each of us, as believers, is a member of that body, but not all members receive all of the gifts of the Spirit. Rather, the Holy Spirit gives certain gifts to each one of us as He wills it (1 Corinthians 12:11).
There is good reason why the Holy Spirit does not give each of us all the gifts. Think about your own physical body. If your eyes could see, hear, speak, and smell, what need would you have for your ears, mouth, and nose? If your feet could write and lift things, what need would you have for your hands? Each part of your body serves its own unique purpose that benefits the rest of your body.
Since the church is the body of Christ, if each of us were able to teach, prophesy, or evangelize, we would have no need of anyone else. We would not need the rest of the body. But, God’s intention is for each of us, as members of His church, the body of Christ, to help each other and build each other up (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
We have all been given one or more of the gifts of the Spirit. We need to use those gifts, not for our own edification, but for the benefit of the entire body.
A Worshiper's Journal 