Let me add a parenthesis here. Some of you might be saying….”it is the teachers fault.” Believe me, I have thought this and blamed myself also. But deep in my heart I know that this is not true. I say, without pride or self-centeredness that I am a great teacher. I literally spend hour after hour preparing for a simple class. I present information, in not only a clear and concise manner, but in an interesting and often entertaining way.
Comment number one: I believe these women who do not read and study Scripture are all born again believers. I believe this with a my heart.
Comment number two: I believe there probably is a spiritual gift of Bible Study. I have it while others do not.
I do not have the gift of hospitality or decorating. I do not have the gift of music, nor of organization. I do not have the gift of mercy (just ask anyone who knows me very well.)
I do have the gift of teaching and, even if I could not teach I would be in the Word of God on a consistent basis. I believe that I have the spiritual gift of Bible Study.
Now for all those who do not have the spiritual gift of Bible Study – as with all gifts, just because we do not have the gift does not mean we cannot/should not operate our lives without that gift. Just because I do not have the gift of hospitality does not mean that I cannot open my home and be hospitable. Just because I do not have the gift of music does not mean that I do not worship God with music. Just because I do not have the gift of mercy does not mean that I do not visit the shut-ins.
Now the reverse is true. Can we get into trouble with our gifts? Can we use our gifts in such a way that does not give glory to God or edify the church? Absolutely. Someone with the gift of mercy or hospitality can become a doormat or be taken advantage of in such a way that would not glorify God. Someone with the gift of music could focus on all things musical and not get involved in any other activities of the church that would glorify God.
And I have to be careful. Just because I have the gift of Bible Study does not mean that I should be judgmental of those who do not have the gift. As Paul said, “desire all the gifts, but above all desire the gift of love” (a paraphrase.) Scripture indicates that all the gifts are good, and that we should desire the gifts. I should desire to me more merciful, more hospitable, more musical, and those who do not have the spiritual gift of Bible Study should desire that in their life.
So I believe that my pastor was probably right when he said there are more spiritual gifts than are listed in Scripture. I believe I have the spiritual gift of Bible Study.
I would love to know what you think – contact me at jpsant@netzero.net
No comments:
Post a Comment