Articles
Childish Things
Humans can sometimes have a great respect for talent. We can see the uncommon abilities of some as a reason to be deferential, or even envious. However, when we do this, we sometimes overlook our own abilities that are beneficial and significant.
The Corinthian church had a great respect for certain “gifts” of the Holy Spirit, specifically those that were evidently miraculous and impressive. (I Corinthians 12:1-16) Paul explained that certain gifts were only temporary, and meant to to accomplish the Spirit’s greater goal. That goal was unity and maturity in the things of God, and cultivating the gifts that all saints had access to equally.
By focusing so heavily on the various miraculous abilities of only some members, and seeing some as more impressive than others, the church was completely undermining the Holy Spirit’s goal for the church. Paul said he was going to show the Corinthian church “a more excellent way.” (I Corinthians 12:27-31) The chapter that we understand to be the bible’s definitive statement on the topic of self-sacrificial love is the “more excellent way” that Paul meant to teach the church in Corinth. Instead of putting certain people on a pedestal because of their impressive abilities, we should be seeking to cultivate the Spirit’s gift of love in us.
The Holy Spirit had a specific goal in mind when He gave miraculous abilities to the saints in the first century through the laying on of the apostles hands, but the gifts themselves were not the goal. Paul said that miraculous gifts were “partial” and would cease when the church was mature. Paul said the miraculous gifts were “childish things” and were inappropriate for a mature church. (I Corinthians 13:8-11) Just as in the creation, God made the church able to function as a mature entity from the very start (see: Genesis 2:5-6). However, there would be a time when they were unnecessary due to the maturity of the church. Seeking or wishing for miraculous gifts in the church now would be like wishing for training wheels on a bicycle made for an adult.
There were gifts that he Spirit provided that were appropriate church, however, and those were the ones the Corinthians were to seek. Paul said that growing in the knowledge of Jesus would happen by abiding in faith, hope, and love. (I Corinthians 13:12-13) All saints are to seek a stronger and more established faith. All disciples are to focus on the hope we have in Christ. Every member of the body is to seek out ways to be more perfect in love for God and other people. (cf. I Thessalonians 1:2-4; Hebrews 10:22-24)
Will we focus on the spectacular abilities of the few, or abide in the gifts that accompany every believer in salvation? Will we follow a more excellent way?
