1st Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
This passage of scripture not only outlines for us in fine detail, the gifts of the Spirit, but it also tells us why they are given, for the edification of all. Every true disciple of Jesus is given at least one spiritual gift so that none need be idle in the Lord's vineyard, and therefore these gifts are the means whereby the followers of Christ are equipped to do the work that God has commissioned us to do. One of the important facts to remember in the administration and use of the gifts thus given, is that we are never called to do anything for Christ in our own, feeble strength, but we are to continually trust and look to God for help, wisdom, and direction so that we may faithfully execute our God-given duties with dispatch, efficiency, and energy.
When the gifts of the spirit are rightly employed, there is seen a well coordinated operation that caters to all of the needs of the advancement of God's kingdom in the earth, and thus it not necessary for any one member to suffer from spiritual fatigue, by trying to fill the many shoes that are to be filled, in the administration of God's kingdom. In many churches there seems to be one set of members who generally carry the burdens of the work from year to year while some others remain idle, and because of this the work work ends up being lopsided, and after awhile the workers who are under constant strain and stress, sometimes suffer from spiritual burnout.
This particular problem arose early in the administration of the church after the day of Pentecost, when many thousands of new converts were being added to the church daily. The apostles found themselves being burdened with doing everything, and so a council was called to remedy the situation, so that the work could be spread out more evenly amongst those who were gifted in the many other areas of administration. Let's read:
Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
This final resolution to the problem of being overburdened with responsibilities is full of instruction for us in our day, for there are times when spiritual fatigue may threaten those who are constantly at work for the building up of God's kingdom. As fellow Christians, we should endeavor to follow the example set by the apostles in handling problems such as these, by spreading out the duties of the church over a broader field of members, so that the efficiency which characterizes God's work in the heavenly sanctuary, may also be displayed in His kingdom here on earth.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that reminds us of God's ideal in these matters, and we hope and pray that each gifted member may rise to the occasion, by lending a helping hand in the areas where God has blessed us. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
May God help us to find our individual calling, so that the spiritual gifts He has already bestowed, may be used for the edification of the body of believers, and for the advancement of His kingdom in all the world. God bless!