How can a correct philosophy regarding the gifts of the Holy Spirit affect one’s practice of hospitality?
Thirdly, the gifts are always to be used for ministry.
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (I Cor. 12:7). “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another” (I Pet. 4:10).
Ministry is a word that is sometimes misunderstood. Instead of relating the concept strictly to paid professionals we must come to realize that Scripture teaches that we are all ministers. We are to use our gifts to nourish fellow human beings, but particularly those within the body of Christ Ministry is not just the work of a church staff but something of which we all must partake, whether we bear a title or not
Fourthly, all of the gifts are supernatural. Some of these abilities listed in Scripture, such as an innate human ability to work miracles or healings seem supernatural, while gifts such as contributing financially or giving physical aid appear to fall under the category of natural abilities. Yet all of the gifts are supernatural.
Some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it is true, spring from abilities that may have existed before we became Christians. We may have been skilled teachers in the public schools, for example. The difference between this remaining a highly crafted skill, and a gift of the Spirit infused with supernatural life is basically found in one’s attitude. Our mindset should be one of yieldedness which can become habitual by the regular check of three simple questions:
- Am I willing to use this talent in ministry?
- Does sin in my life restrict God’s being able to use this talent in ministry?
- Do I continually tell God I am dependent on His super natural working to transform my talent into a gift of the Holy Spirit?
A “No” answer to any of these will diminish the possibilities of our natural talents being used in a supernatural way. If we are not willing to use a talent in ministry, we cannot expect to view it as a gift, since ministry is the only purpose for which gifts exist. We must be careful, lest we have the gift taken away; and then, not knowing that it is gone, we are in a far worse condition than before, because we continue to trust in what we no longer have.
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Award-winning author Karen Mains continues to write content for her Christian blog, “Thoughts-by-Karen-Mains.” In so doing, she desires to touch the lives of Christian women and men and help them find ways to walk closer with the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, through silent retreats, spiritual teaching, women’s retreats, Christian vacation opportunities, and other ministry activities, Karen helps each Christian woman and man receive vital spiritual food.
Karen has long had an interest in Christian hospitality and is the author of the best-selling book, Open Heart, Open Home.
Through her Hungry Souls ministry, Karen serves as a spiritual coach to many Christian women and men, and teaches a mentor-writing class. And, through the Global Bag Project, she is working to develop a network of African women who sew exquisite cloth reusable shopping bags. This micro-finance women opportunity helps provide a much-needed sustainable income for struggling African families. For more information on this critically important project, please click here.
For decades, Karen and her husband, David, have served God through religious communications—radio, television, and print publication. The are the co-authors of the Kingdom Tales Trilogy: Tales of the Kingdom, Tales of the Resistance, and Tales of the Restoration. To find many valuable resources for pastors and churches at the Mainstay Ministries main website, please click here.
Likewise, pastors will find special resources to help them prepare effective, life-transforming Sunday sermons by visiting David Mains’ website by clicking here.