The Divine Purpose of Our Gift(s)

Send us Fan MailThe concept of spiritual gifts lies at the heart of Christian service and community building. In Pastor Mark's recent message, he draws a critical distinction between worldly charisma and spiritual charisma that every believer needs to understand. While today's definition of charisma typically describes someone who can draw attention to themselves, spiritual charisma (or spiritual gifts) serves an entirely different purpose in God's kingdom.Spiritual gifts, as explained in 1 Corinthians, are divine endowments given to every believer by the Holy Spirit. These gifts aren't meant to elevate the individual but rather to strengthen and build up the church body. Pastor Mark emphasizes that these gifts are expressions of God's grace—undeserved, unmerited favor that empowers believers to share in God's reconciliation work. The spotlight should never be on the gift-bearer but on Jesus Christ, whom we are called to glorify through our service.Drawing from 1 Corinthians 14, Pastor Mark illustrates how the early church struggled with this very issue. The Corinthian believers were using their spiritual gifts—particularly speaking in tongues—in ways that brought glory to themselves rather than edifying the church. Paul's instruction was clear: "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." This teaching remains profoundly relevant today when self-promotion often overshadows genuine service.A critical understanding emerges from this teaching: our spiritual gifts are not personal possessions to be paraded for attention but rather tools for ministry entrusted to us for the benefit of others. Just as a natural gift is something given without expectation of return and primarily benefits the recipient, our spiritual gifts should operate in the same manner. God's ultimate gift—sending Jesus—didn't benefit God but humanity. Similarly, our gifts aren't meant to benefit ourselves but others in the body of Christ.Pastor Mark offers three essential applications for believers. First, we must serve with our gifts. When we require an audience to give maximum effort, pride has elevated ourselves above Christ's example of humble service. Jesus himself said in Mark 10:45 that He "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and give His life as a ransom for many." Second, we must cultivate our gifts through practice, development, and attention. Scripture instructs us not to neglect our spiritual gifts but to "stir them up" and "fan them into flame." Third, we must avoid maneuvering or positioning ourselves or others for personal gain through our gifts.True spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by showcasing our gifts but by using them to strengthen others without seeking recognition.As we reflect on how we're utilizing our spiritual gifts, Pastor Mark challenges us with four penetrating questions: Does my gift benefit me or others? Am I developing my gift routinely? Am I trying to maneuver myself into prominence rather than allowing God to promote me through humility? And fundamentally, do I even know what my spiritual gift or gifts are? In a world obsessed with self-promotion and personal branding, this countercultural message reminds us that our gifts find their true purpose not in drawing attention to ourselves but in fulfilling our divine calling as believers gifted to reconcile others to God through Jesus Christ.Tune in for this week's broadcast: 'The Divine Purpose of Our Gift(s)', with Pastor Mark D. Ingram.In lieu of eternity, sermons and musical artists are featured to extol JESUS CHRIST as the sole hope for the eternal souls of humanity.