By Rev. J. Loren Russell
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
I Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV
When we think of someone being gainfully employed, we think of them occupying a nine-to-five and being paid for their work-related activity. Some people are skilled at what they do, gifted with a particular ability. Others are trained for the job they were hired to do, but if they are working, they are both gainfully employed.
The Lord gives gifts also. His gifts cannot be learned in school or acquired by on-the-job-training. In the text, Paul writes to the Corinthian church to make it clear that the gifts that are evidenced in the people are not natural, but God-given. In addition, no one was given all the gifts. Everyone was given a different gift; “to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
Each gift was given, the scripture says, by one and the same Spirit, who is the Holy Spirit. If you notice, Paul uses “Spirit, Lord and God” interchangeably. This is consistent with his preaching about the triune God, or the Trinity (the subject of a future article). The purpose of the gifts are explained in Paul’s letter to the Roman church (Romans 12:6), “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given unto us, let us use them…” 1 Peter 4:10 confirms that for us, “Each of you should us whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.”
Every gift that is given by the Spirit of God is for the edification of the people and the glorification of God. As the Apostle Paul encouraged his protégé Timothy, I encourage you, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). To put it another way, every spiritual gift is given for your employment, not your enjoyment!
If you have received a gift from the Holy Spirit, consider yourself to be gainfully employed.
Be blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell, associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting, host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Monday’s 8:00 – 10:00 PM (626-226-1448), author of Matters of Faith: The Book.
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