The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed” (1 Corinthians 12:1). I assume that applies to us also: we ought not to be uninformed about the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts. The term “spiritual gifts” comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts) and pneumatika (spirits).
A spiritual gift is a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ, according to God’s grace and our abilities for use within the context of the Body; a special divine empowerment bestowed on each believer by the Holy Spirit to accomplish a given ministry God’s way according to His grace and discernment to be used within the context of the Body of Christ.
A spiritual gift, then, is more than being a possession; it is a channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to His church. Spiritual gifts are abilities or capabilities which God assigns to us by His power and by His direction as tools with which to serve the body of Christ, impact and create influence in the world. This is the means He has chosen to edify, build up the church and to make us more effective. Every Christian is created, called, gifted, challenged, authorized and accountable for ministry. I believe that every Christian’s life should be used by God for kingdom purposes. While a spiritual gift can be developed, it does require a supernatural ability (Holy Spirit) to exercise it.
God has sovereignly and variously equipped each member to function in his or her unique place in the body. This function is not optional but expected and essential to the body as a whole. And while no one gift is universal, all within the body are to care for the others in every way possible. This is God’s way of ministering to His church, not through a pastor only, but through all the members gifted to serve one another. This is the only way a body can function.
I believe God wants to accomplish His work supernaturally on the face of the earth. God gets this accomplished through Spiritual Gifts. He wants to take natural people and work supernaturally through them to bring about a mighty surge of His power to impact the kingdom.
At SRCC we value your gifts and talents that God has given you for the kingdom. God has given us all that we need to build His kingdom. We encourage you to come be a part of this movement for God and have an impact upon the community of Colorado Springs. I challenge you to make yourself ready for Him to use you in this wonderful moment in which we live today.
Pastors Ben and Wanda Anderson
February, 2014