The Spirit Moves Where He Will

During the seventies there was a noticeable move of the Spirit: the so-called Charismatic (gifts)Movement. There was a genuine awakening and deepening commitment of many Christians during this period. However, Satan was prepared with his counterfeit spirituality that he used to cause divisions and problems in some churches.

Most of the gifts of the Spirit are accepted, or at least are not objected to or are greeted with a shrug by those in many congregations. For those gifts Paul lists in 1Corin. 12, who would object to the gifts of wisdom, knowledge and faith? All are highly desirable. Gifts of healing and the working of miracles may raise some eyebrows and doubts. (Occasional healing services were held in our church for a while; attendance was sparse and there were soon complaints about what was going on.) Discerning of spirits; apostles, prophets and teachers? No real objection there. But, when it comes to different kinds of tongues and interpretation, this is where a small number in the Charismatic movement did not even use ordinary common sense. It was Satan's opportunity to cause trouble; the same kind he caused in the Corinthian church. His weapon? Pride.

As in Corinth, a small percentage of charismatics who received the gift of tongues considered themselves spiritually superior, more holy, than those who did not have the gift. A pastor friend told me that while attending seminary she carpooled with 3 other female students. One day they asked my friend if she had received the gift of tongues. When she replied that she had not, the others said they had and she couldn't ride with them anymore. There are few things more objectionable or insidious than spiritual (it is actually religious) pride. It can separate us from God. Pride was the principal sin of the Pharisees. It blinded them to their faults and their ignorance of the scriptures that foretold the coming of Jesus. ( Jn.5:45-47.) Today it blinds those who have set themselves on a pinnacle above their fellow believers. Humility was one of the main characteristics of Jesus (e.g. Jn 8:50, Jn 13:2-15) and one that seems to be most lacking in his followers (e.g. myself.)

Lest you think I am opposed to the gift of tongues; I'm not. For every sad story like that of my pastor friend I can tell many that have been positive in building the kingdom. Every spiritual gift, properly used as God intends, to serve Jesus and his body, the church, has the power of God within it. Except for love, no gift should be emphasized above another.

The sum? No matter what gifts we have been given or how far along we think we are in our spiritual walk with Christ, we have absolutely nothing to brag about. (1Corin.1:26-31.) No personal horn-tooting. (1Peter4:10)

Love is superior to all gifts. (1 Corin. 13) "They (the World) will know we are Christians by our love." (Jn 13:34) The World will not know we are motivated by love if we try to legislate morals. Christ understood that people are changed from the inside out. He did not seek the cooperation of the Roman government to accomplish his mission nor did he urge his followers to go that route.

Seek the gifts but remember, the Holy Spirit distributes them as he sees fit. We shouldn't make the mistake of telling the HS that we will not accept certain, or any, gifts. He doesn't go where he is not welcome. Our loss. He'll simply give the blessing to someone else.

There is much more to be said on the subject. Perhaps I will be led to share some of my experiences in later blogs. In the meantime, I recommend personal study.

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At the University of Texas at San Antonio an atheist organization exchanged pornography for religious literature. The news report stated that the event drew a crowd including protesters, the curious and those who took part in the exchange. On many campuses religious groups are barred from distributing their literature. Atheism meets the definition of religion: "Belief in, and worship of God or gods." Atheists believe each person is his own god. And, although they would not admit it, they worship themselves.
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Note to "Sunshine"
Thank you for your comments. It's admirable that your group is involved in intensive study of the Word and that you're standing strong for Jesus. Romans 15:13