Eager Desire

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."
1 Corinthians 14:1

There is a great need in the church today, to understand and function in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I am absolutely convinced that these are necessary and valuable gifts that God has given to his church. They are administered by the Holy Spirit for the common good of the church. In the past several years, these manifestations of the Holy Spirit have been largely ignored. Instead, churches have followed church growth strategies that have fostered many different 'models' of churches. While I don't disagree with strategies to minister to the world and reach the lost, these things cannot and should not replace the spiritual gifts that have been given to the church. Ministries should flow out of churches that actively embrace the gifts.
    I find it interesting that the apostle Paul told the Corinthian church to "Eagerly desire spiritual gifts." There are few times in the Bible where we are encouraged to eagerly desire anything other than God the Father, Jesus, and the kingdom of heaven. This speaks to the paramount importance of these spiritual gifts. It also assures us that we are not off base when we do desire them. Spiritual gifts are a primary way that God speaks to his church. He comforts, encourages, and even rebukes through them. He confirms his own Word through the use of the manifestation gifts. It is good to desire them, and we should renew our emphasis on them.
    Paul's apostolic call and missionary trips were initiated because of the use of spiritual gifts in the church. "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (Acts 13:2). In this case, the Antioch church embraced the spiritual gifts and created an arena in which there was freedom for them to move. They fasted and prayed, and the Holy Spirit spoke.
    There is something special that takes place when the spiritual gifts are embraced in the church. Prophecy breaks forth, people with gifts of healing, miracles, and faith are raised up. Words from God, spoken by the Holy Spirit encourage and direct the church. Spiritual life is injected into the church. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit know no denominational lines. There is only one criteria; There must be people present who eagerly desire spiritual gifts. Yes, churches need to embrace the gifts, but it is up to you and me to desire them and participate. Then there will be freedom for the Holy Spirit to manifest himself to us.