Daily Devotional January 5 - Spiritual Gifts

 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." 1 Co. 12:4-6

I have watched as many Christians have split over their interpretation of the workings of the Holy Spirit. There is dissension, thoughtless remarks, sedition, even hatred from one group to another because of their interpretation of the workings of the Holy Spirit. If you cannot get beyond the differences and find enough common ground to stand on, its obvious you are in this for yourself and you are part of the problem, not the solution. Don't be too surprised that I said for yourself. Many Christians never get past the second grade in their faith.

Mature Christians will go out of their way to see beyond their differences. I have seen people in both camps making outrageous claims against the other as if they were sure enemies. God is not the author of confusion and the way we personally interpret a verse does not make us more faithful than another. I have seen many Christians throwing stones at others who are serving God as if they were faultless and had within them perfect theology. That's proof alone that God is sovereign. Why we would have annihilated ourselves long ago had it not been for the Holy Spirit of God giving us good sense and keeping us from ourselves.

If you are at war with others Christians, you're in the fight alone. God is not taking up your cause. God is taking up His cause and you should be finding out what that is. It's possible that the very ones you are ostracizing have the very message from God for you. You are trying to get the answers, but not willing to go outside some very tiny and insignificant parameters. Your hardened position will catch up with you.