Eagerly desire...

This is already the 3rd post I am writing about 1 Corinthians 14:1. There is such depth and insight in that single verse, Follow the way of love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

'Eagerly desire spiritual gifts'. It's kind of weird, but when I think of the words 'eagerly desire' I tend to think of selfish greed and of the pursuit of goals and longings... maybe that is just my interpretation of the English language and a bit negative. The Webster dictionary says: excited by the desire in the pursuit of any object; ardent to pursue, perform, or obtain; keenly desirous; hotly longing; earnest; zealous; impetuous; vehement...

Now that paints a slightly different picture, it deals with excitement, zeal, and hunger. Why would Paul call the believers to eagerly desire spiritual gifts? Gifts can only be given, right? We can do nothing to earn them. Why desire something that is up to God to distribute? As human beings we often eagerly desire many things, but I do not meet too many people who eagerly desire spiritual gifts. Personally, I think Paul is referring to his earlier statement as written down in 1 Corinthians 12:1, Now, about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. We are NOT supposed to be ignorant when it comes to spiritual gifts. Why not? Because the spiritual gifts must be used to build up the church. If we are ignorant about the spiritual gifts, how can we build up and strengthen the church? It is no wonder we see churches falling apart, believers lacking power and not many miracles done. That is not God's fault, but ours... because often we are ignorant.

If you desire to build up and strenghten the church, the body of Christ on earth, then please do not hesitate to study the Word about spiritual gifts and start to use what God will give you! Talk with someone who is studying the same thing, read a good book about it with the Bible as reference and most of all... pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten you, He is after all your teacher.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you (John 14:26).