A Word for Today’s Church:
It’s not an easy word, I am afraid, but it’s been stirring in my heart as I see so many Christians caught up in this deception.
The enemy would love for you to believe that if you suddenly mastered every spiritual gift, you would be more important than you are right now. His aim? To distance you from God in whatever way he can.
If that means distracting you from God’s face, our enemy will pull attention to whatever you think will fill the void in your life. Yes, the enemy knows the only thing that will fill that void is a personal, intimate relationship with our Creator. He’ll do everything he can to place anything in our path that would put a wedge between us and God.
If you are more interested in seeking God’s power to appear to be some sort of spiritual maestro than in understanding God’s heart and being transformed into His likeness, you are in grave danger of being deceived.
If you think you’ll get into some super nifty clique by bragging about your spiritual giftings, you are disappointing God and setting yourself up for a fall. It is probably not the safest clique to try to infiltrate if they have placed a proof of gift restriction before admittance.
If you use God’s gifts to raise your status amongst your friends or church fellowship, you are probably already experiencing much pain and rejection.
If you are more interested in sensing God’s power surge through you rather than drawing close to His heart — then once again, you are missing the boat.
The Holy Spirit didn’t come just to let us play with His gifts. He wants us to know God’s heart and hopes for our hearts in exchange.
Think of it this way. For years, you invited someone over so you could hang out with them and get to know them better, and they could get to know you.
However, it’s been an ongoing pattern that upon accepting your invitation, they only play with your electronic toys, lounge by your swimming pool and take selfies to post on all their social media platforms to brag about how cool they are because they know how to use your stuff.
They refuse to eat the feast you set before them and rebuff the rest of your guests who made room for them around the communal table. Instead, they retreat to your game room with leftover snacks they scrounged from the fridge.
Would you feel exploited? Would you feel disappointed? God wants to lavish His gifts upon all his children, but he wants our hearts; above all else, He wants to make His heart known to us.
If you feel God tugging on your heart as you read this, talk with Him. He’s inviting you into a conversation that perhaps you’ve felt has been a long time coming. Don’t be afraid; you will be met with arms wide open.
©2024 Katherine Walden