Biblical Devotion: “Enriched for a Purpose”
Scripture:
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” — Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” — 1 Corinthians 12:31 (KJV)
Personal Reflection
If Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, then His ministry continues today through His Spirit-filled church. But for many believers, the operation of spiritual gifts raises questions, fears, and even skepticism. “What if it’s fake?” “What if I’m deceived?” These concerns are valid in light of abuses we’ve all seen—but they must not become excuses for disobedience. Scripture never tells us to avoid the gifts, but rather to pursue them with wisdom, reverence, and love.
Paul wrote to the Corinthians not to cancel spiritual gifts but to regulate them. Despite the church’s many flaws, Paul didn’t rebuke them for having the gifts; he rebuked them for misusing them. Yet even so, he affirmed: “Ye come behind in no gift” (1 Cor. 1:7). The church was enriched—ploutizo, made spiritually wealthy—not for spiritual showmanship, but to confirm the testimony of Christ.
Today, too many churches look more like Corinth’s disorder than their spiritual wealth. Others, out of fear of excess, choose sterility over Spirit. But has Jesus changed? Has His Spirit weakened? Not at all. The gifts of the Spirit are not outdated; they are desperately needed today. The world is full of pain, confusion, demonic influence, and spiritual dryness—and the Spirit equips the church to address these needs in Jesus’ name.
Contemplation
Do I earnestly desire the gifts of the Spirit, as Scripture commands?
Have I allowed the abuse of others to rob me of experiencing God’s power in my own life?
Do I believe that the Holy Spirit truly desires to equip me—and my church—to continue the ministry of Jesus in this generation?
Remember: pursuing spiritual gifts is not about emotionalism or spectacle. It’s about being empowered to serve, love, proclaim truth, discern evil, encourage the hurting, and build up the body of Christ. Paul tells us to covet these gifts. That’s strong language—language of urgency, command, and intensity. Will you take it seriously?
Prayer
Holy Spirit,
Forgive me if I’ve grieved You by treating Your gifts with fear, suspicion, or indifference. Your Word tells me to earnestly desire the best gifts—and I confess, I have not. Stir my heart to obedience. Remove the fear of man and the fear of error, and replace it with a holy hunger for the fullness of Christ’s ministry through me and in my church.
Help me to walk in wisdom, humility, and faith. Let love be my guide. Teach me to be sensitive to Your promptings and bold enough to believe that Jesus still desires to heal, speak, deliver, and strengthen through His Spirit today.
I yield myself to You—mind, body, and spirit. Enrich me with Your gifts not for my glory, but so that I may glorify Jesus Christ in this generation.
In His mighty name I pray,
Amen.
Today’s Challenge
Read 1 Corinthians 12–14 prayerfully. Ask God to show you which gifts He may want to activate or develop in your life. Begin to pray earnestly and continuously—as commanded—for the best gifts. Remember, Jesus is the same, and He still enriches His people for His work.
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