The Gifts: Normalizing & Proper Perspective
Wow, what an incredible series we have been in about the Gifts! In this, Erin and I will share what we found impactful from Sunday’s (09/22) message and the series in its entirety. Here are three things that have stood out to us the most:
The gifts need to be normalized in the Church.
As someone who has been on both sides of the aisle from the gifts are nonexistent (cessationism) to the gifts being active (continuationism) but overly emphasized, these teachings continually help normalize the gifts for me. Proper teaching helps bring them back from either being nonexistent or used as a spectacle.
The gifts are not for me.
An impactful point Tres made was: Spiritual gifts are for others’ benefit and our pleasure. It is not our benefit for others to be pleased with our gift. It pleases us to do the things that please God. Far too often gifts are used for self-affirmation. In the past, I wanted them for my benefit. I wanted people to be pleased with me. But the gifts are from the Father and for the body to be built up, encouraged, and to see that every need is met. In this way, what Tres says happens--the unseen Kingdom of God is now seen.
Using the gifts requires humbleness.
Philippians 2:3 (ESV) says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This scripture gives insight into the humility that is needed to grow into maturity while operating in the gifts. A comparison Tres used that Erin and I both enjoyed was Chick-Fil-A’s “my pleasure” versus the traditional “thank you.”
From Erin:
Growing up in the South, we learned manners fairly early in life. Mawmaw says, “You better say you’re welcome.” And you better or else you would be in trouble or seen as rude. However, how many times do you say “you’re welcome” because you have to? And what does it mean when you compare it to “my pleasure?” To say “my pleasure” is to say we are happy to serve people, whereas “you’re welcome” seems to say, you are welcome to recognize me. It’s my pleasure to use the gifts my Father has given me to serve others. I don’t have to, I get to!
I love how Tres broke it down. We need each other’s gifts, but I don’t need my gift to be acknowledged to make me feel good about myself. Fox recently told me, “It’s not about you.” This phrase has been instrumental in helping my heart shift. It’s a humble heart that grasps this.
The gifts need to be normalized in the Church.
As someone who has been on both sides of the aisle from the gifts are nonexistent (cessationism) to the gifts being active (continuationism) but overly emphasized, these teachings continually help normalize the gifts for me. Proper teaching helps bring them back from either being nonexistent or used as a spectacle.
The gifts are not for me.
An impactful point Tres made was: Spiritual gifts are for others’ benefit and our pleasure. It is not our benefit for others to be pleased with our gift. It pleases us to do the things that please God. Far too often gifts are used for self-affirmation. In the past, I wanted them for my benefit. I wanted people to be pleased with me. But the gifts are from the Father and for the body to be built up, encouraged, and to see that every need is met. In this way, what Tres says happens--the unseen Kingdom of God is now seen.
Using the gifts requires humbleness.
Philippians 2:3 (ESV) says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This scripture gives insight into the humility that is needed to grow into maturity while operating in the gifts. A comparison Tres used that Erin and I both enjoyed was Chick-Fil-A’s “my pleasure” versus the traditional “thank you.”
From Erin:
Growing up in the South, we learned manners fairly early in life. Mawmaw says, “You better say you’re welcome.” And you better or else you would be in trouble or seen as rude. However, how many times do you say “you’re welcome” because you have to? And what does it mean when you compare it to “my pleasure?” To say “my pleasure” is to say we are happy to serve people, whereas “you’re welcome” seems to say, you are welcome to recognize me. It’s my pleasure to use the gifts my Father has given me to serve others. I don’t have to, I get to!
I love how Tres broke it down. We need each other’s gifts, but I don’t need my gift to be acknowledged to make me feel good about myself. Fox recently told me, “It’s not about you.” This phrase has been instrumental in helping my heart shift. It’s a humble heart that grasps this.
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So good!