DOES EVERY CHURCH HAVE EVERY SPIRITUAL GIFT IT NEEDS?
Paul told the Corinthian church that it already had every spiritual gift that it needed. Is this true for every church? Does God give every local body of believers every spiritual gift that they need to stand faithful until Christ’s return? Perhaps it is an overstatement to answer in the affirmative, since Paul was speaking specifically to the church at Corinth.
But what if it is so? What if every local church that has Christ as its Head and the gospel in its mouth, has received every spiritual gift it needs to accomplish its God-given mission? It this is so, then why do so many churches seem to be lacking? Perhaps it is because the gifts are present, but not being exercised. Maybe it is because an over emphasis is placed on certain gifts, so that others have atrophied. It could also be a lack of discipleship in the church, so that those with gifts, aren’t being trained to exercise them.
Perhaps we should remember God’s word to Moses, who claimed to be lacking in the gifts of leadership. “What’s that in your hand” (Ex. 4:2)? God asked, referring to his shepherd’s staff. Do we already have in hand the spiritual gifting we need, but have not been willing to use it for God’s glory?
PRAYER: Father, thank You for giving us every spiritual gift we need to stand strong until Christ’s return. We know that You will not withhold good from us. For You did not spare Your own son but delivered Him up for us all, how then will You not also with Him freely give us all things? The fields are white unto harvest. Send us workers who will exercise their gifts in the gospel fields. And if they are already present with us, energize and activate them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.