There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work (1 Corinthians 12:4–6).

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses a congregation whose previous religious experience was, in large part, polytheism. So right away, Paul lays out one hard-and-fast rule:  

“…no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (v 3).

Presenting this litmus test around the denial or confession of Christ is a reminder to recovering pagans that the true God is not a multiplicity of deities operating like an assortment of gift shops at the mall: 

the fertility boutique, 

the warrior mart, 

the mystics’ emporium, 

and the always-crowded orgy outlet.

No. The God of heaven and earth is ONE. Not internally inconsistent or self-contradictory. But a UNITY, speaking with a SINGLE voice and distributing gifts to his children according to his perfect will. His expectations for holiness are chiseled in stone. And while gifts are diverse, Paul explains that their goal is always the SAME:

…the common good (v 7).

But the apostle is not quite done with his preamble to the gift list, (though I can imagine the Corinthians anxiously waiting to “unwrap their presents!”) In the verses at the top of this devotional, Paul uses three words worth examining: GIFTS, SERVICE, and WORKING, all of which come courtesy of the SAME GOD.

GIFTS (charismata…as in “charismatic”) are manifestations of the Spirit of God.

SERVICE (diakonai…as in “deacon”) is the purpose for the manifestations of the Spirit of God.

WORKING (energemata…as in “energy”) is the power to accomplish the purpose for the manifestations of the Spirit of God.

Finally, having laid the groundwork, Paul lists nine of the Spirit’s GIFTS. But even as he does, he keeps hearkening back to the GIVER—six times! Because Paul knows that the gifts of the Spirit can easily become a fascination, when it is our deepening relationship with the Lord that is most essential.

Many believers wonder what their spiritual gifts are. And, as you can probably guess, there are numerous websites that Offer! Online! Tests! to facilitate finding out. 

Instead, let’s remember, as Paul explains to the Corinthians, God’s gifts are always distributed in service of LOVE. And to pray for them with that intention. If we ask the Lord to help us LOVE one another, manifestations of the Spirit’s purpose and power may well become clear. As Paul puts it:

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit...” (1 Corinthians 14:1). 

Though I have not mentioned a single gift by name, you can find them in 1 Corinthians 12: 8–10. Each one is a blessing from God. But like Paul, focusing on the GIVER rather than the GIFTS, seemed like the better use of my 500 words.

Holy Spirit, Giver of gifts, I pray for my brothers and sisters at Chatham Community Church, that you equip us with every spiritual gift so that we may better LOVE and SERVE one another, according to your word. Amen.