Borrowed Breath

It is worth noting that in the middle of 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul spells out the proper use of the gifts of the Spirit, there is a verse that gives us a glimpse into the heart the church in Corinth, “…since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (12:12). Paul does not chide the early church of Corinth for being eager to see and experience the manifestations of the Spirit. Instead, he challenges them to “strive to excel in building up the church.” That is an admonition that I need to hear.  

Are there abuses today of the sign gifts, with tongues in particular? Absolutely. But, to conclude then that they are not for today without compelling scriptural evidence is unbiblical. Are there abuses with preaching? Absolutely, but we still respect and honor good preachers. Are there abuses with finances within the Church? Absolutely, but we still give to our local church with a cheerful heart and with a desire that it will be used for God’s glory. The abuse of any scriptural gifting does not mean we write off the gift. We address the specific areas of abuse, as Paul did.  

Scripture never clearly spells out that the more visible spiritual gifts are no longer for today. And if the Bible is not black and white on an issue, I have to allow for different interpretations and not cause division. The Lord Jesus Christ has given us His Holy Spirit to guide and lead us in truth. I need to trust Him to direct and protect me. 

To this day, I do not have the gift of tongues. Honestly, I have no desire for it. I have never seen anyone miraculously healed. But I do believe, with all of my heart, that nothing is impossible with Jehovah. I believe that Jesus Christ is still the Great Physician, and I pray to someday see a manifestation of His miraculous healing power.  

When I speak with dear brothers and sisters who believe the sign gifts are not for today, I simply ask for a Biblical basis for that conclusion. The few verses they give me are, in my opinion, a stretch at best. Before I state a theological doctrine to be absolute, I need more concrete proof than that which is provided to show that sign gifts are not for today.  

As I said in the beginning of this series, I have no desire to create division. The world around us is dying. They need Jesus. Rather than focusing on internal issues that divide and that keep us from focusing on reaching the lost, why can’t we work hand-in-hand with those who love Jesus to reach the un-reached? Why can’t we let go of the “non-essentials” and show our love for one another to the world by letting freedom reign? 

I do not want to draw a line in the sand over an issue that my Lord has not etched in stone.