The Holy Spirit is poured out for the whole church. We each have a part to play in this. The church, especially in America, has transitioned into an organization that people join to benefit from. The consumer mindset of our society draws us into a focus where we look for the best worship style that fits our needs, dynamic preaching that is engaging and leaves you feeling good, and programs for whatever life stages we happen to be in. We have personalized a walk with God in such a way that it has become overtly individualistic. If a church does not meet my needs, I simply find another one. If I don’t like what the preacher says, I’ll find a preacher who doesn’t step on my toes. If I don’t like the worship style, there are other options. Walking with Jesus is always personal, but it is never individual.
Take some time to sit and read 1 Corinthians 12-14 and focus on what Paul says about the Spirit’s work in the church. Don’t get too distracted by the discussion on tongue speaking but focus on what Paul says is most important about the gifts God has given us. Every gift of the Spirit is given for the common good and building up of the church (12:7 and 14:12). The Spirit guides us into greater unity as each person builds the other up (12:12-31). The Spirit guides us into greater unity and deeper expressions of love (13:1-14:1). When all things in this current life pass away the need for Spiritual gifts will no longer be needed because the presence of God and our life with him will be our full reality. When all of that comes to fullness, only one thing will remain: love.
God, who is love, gave the full expression of himself in the life and death of Jesus. That same God, who is love, now lives in you, and wants to transform you into the embodiment of that love for the building up of the Church and for the world to know the love of God.
For your reflection as you prepare to hear a word from God on Sunday:
Ask God to reveal to you who you struggle with the most to love. Ask for forgiveness and that God put you in situations to build bridges of love rather than walls of hostility.
What gifts do you have that are not being shared to build up the church?
Does our church structure welcome the use of people’s God-given gifts or does it create space for consumers? How can we adjust to better be a community of love where all people’s gifts are valued?
What will you commit to do to help cultivate a community where love can unite us across the chasms where the world wishes to divide us?