Title

The Purpose Of Spiritual Gifts

Scripture
Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
(1 Corinthians 14:12)
Devotional
Every believer desires, or at least should desire spiritual gifts: faith, prophecy, teaching, exhortations and the many other various ministry gifts. However, these gifts are not necessarily given for the sole edification of their possessors, but for the edification of the body of Christ, the church. From teaching to giving and from singing to serving we should seek to excel in these gifts not for ourselves, but for the glory of God and the building up of the church. Therefore let us seek and perfect the gift or gifts God has for us, never for selfish gain, but always for the gain of His church. Imagine what the church would be like if all its members sought to excel at their giftedness. The church would excel. The world would change. Christ would be glorified and His return would be hastened. "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord… But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”[1]

[1] 1 Corinthians 12:4-7