“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:1-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are three categories we must consider concerning the various things God has placed within the body of Christ.

1. Natural Talent - the ability to sing, play instruments, various skills, etc. We all have individual talents but we all don't share the same talents.

2. Fruit of the Spirit - the attributes of the Holy Spirit (these are listed in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance). These attributes should be evident in every believers life. If we truly know Jesus, we will have these characteristics. We can't identify ourselves as followers of Jesus when we are hateful and cantankerous. There are times  we all get in a moment of fleshly failure. We all have potential to act sinful. The child of God, however, must not allow this king of action without a recognition and repentance. If we are children of God, we must display the character of our Father.

3. Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Divine impartations from God.  These are listed in various passages in the New Testament. The manifestation gifts are listed in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. In this area there is controversy in church denominations. Some still believe in them and practice them. Others deny them. We are not God and we are not to tell the Holy Spirit what He can and can't do. As the body of Christ, we must allow the Holy Spirit to be the church Administrator. Truth be told, we need Him to return to our churches. Only when the church yields to the power of the Holy Spirit can we experience the power of God at work.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, remove me from front and center. Take center stage in my life and church. Holy Spirit, you are welcome in my life and church to do as you please.