The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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THE ABUSE AND MISUSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
1. Pride in the importance and use of one’s gift—The Bible specifically warns us about
thinking too highly of ourselves and/or our gifts. Pride is the “snare and condemnation of the
devil.” This leads to loss of rewards and blessings and carnality in the use of our gifts which in
turn do not edify anyone (Rom. 12:3-6).
2. Improper use of one’s gift (Rom. 12:6-8)—Not using gifts as God intended.
3. Failure to glorify God—This is man’s chief problem (I Pet. 4:10-11). Everything we do
should be done to the “glory of God” (I Cor. 10:31).
4. Division in the Body over who is most important or who is really needed—This causes
inferiority feelings and people who are not wanted or are not considered important will soon
“drop out” (I Cor. 12:14-25).
5. Feeling that one has to have gifts that someone else has—Everyone cannot have the
same gift, nor should they be encouraged to seek something that God has net seen fit to give
them. This leads to great frustration and discouragement. Many of the gifts are not available to all
the members of the Body necessarily (I Cor. 12:28-30).
6. Absence of love in using one’s gifts—Spiritual gifts are to “edify” the body, and this is
done in the sphere of love (I Cor. 13; Eph. 4:12-16). Only love truly edifies (I Cor. 8:1). No
matter how spectacular your gift is or what you accomplish with it, if you do not have love, you
are nothing, and the effectiveness of your life amounts to nothing (I Cor. 13:1-3).
7. Immaturity in the use of gifts—It is spiritual childishness to want the gifts that put you
into the “spiritual limelight.” One’s only concern should be the upbuilding of the church (I Cor.
14: 19-20).
8. Lack of Order—God is not the author of confusion. All things should be done decently
and in order (I Cor. 14:26-33, 40). 10
THE PROPER USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
1. There should be no respect of persons (I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28)—In the body of Christ,
all are to be treated alike.