1 Corinthians 12
English translations of the bible always confuse me. A great example of this is in the translation of the word “phanerosis.” Almost every bible translation I have read translates this word as “gifts.” My handy-dandy Greek translator uses manifestation or coming to light. This is deeper, richer, and more colorful, isn’t it? Wisdom, knowledge, faith, the ability to heal, to perform miracles, to prophesy, communicate in different ways, and to distinguish between spirits are manifestations of the spirit of God. Paul is careful to say that these manifestations are linked to their being used for the common good and to the ability to “say” or proclaim Jesus as Lord. That is the key. Why is this important? It is important because, in the ancient world as in today, many exhibit these manifestations. There are many who appear to heal miraculously and to speak words of wisdom or knowledge. There are many who can see into the future. But, and this is a big but, are they using these for the common good, or are they using these abilities for profit or for their own good? Are those who use these manifestations of God’s active Spirit proclaiming Jesus as Master (Lord)? This is our key.
The Spirit of God was breathed into a lifeless lump of earth to make it live. This Spirit was in Adam and Eve when they sinned, so it stands to reason that the Spirit of God is in all humans, those who call themselves by Christ’s name and those who do not. If the Spirit of God is present in all human beings, then the accompanying manifestations of God’s Spirit can be used to further the kingdom of God, leading people to Yahweh, or in attempts to dismantle the kingdom of God or lead people away from Yahweh. The central issue is how these manifestations are used: for God’s kingdom or against it.
This is our call. Since we have all been endowed with God’s Spirit, we must use the manifestations of God’s Spirit to draw our spirits and the spirits of others to God’s Spirit. When we communicate, whether verbally or through our lifestyle, we must convey a message that aligns with our belief that Jesus is Lord. When we seek to heal others, it is not to pat ourselves on the back, but it is to bless them with the blessings of our Lord. When we speak knowledge, offer wisdom, or speak of futures, these must all be centered in the faith we have in Jesus. That is the point.
The gist of all of this is this. Friends, we all have God’s Spirit. We all have abilities and inner callings that represent God’s Spirit in us. It is up to us to choose to use these abilities and inner callings to represent our relationship with Jesus as Lord, so that we fulfill our call to be not only a blessing but also a blessing to others. So let us use what we have been given to point others to God and to Jesus as Lord. Have a good rest of the week.
