“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (I Corinthians 12:7)

The Bible teaches us here that every believer in Jesus Christ has been given a gift by the Holy Spirit: “But to EACH ONE is given the manifestation of the Spirit.” But it is also important to note the PURPOSE for which God gives each of His people a spiritual gift:  it is “for the common good.” That is, one’s gift is not for himself. It is not given merely to boost his ego, or to make him feel good, or to elevate him in the eyes of others. It is not for or about HIM at all; rather it is “for the common good” — that is, to edify OTHERS in the church.

Thus each of us should ask ourselves: what good are others in the church receiving from my spiritual gift? Our consideration should not be: “Do I feel good doing this?”, “What am I getting out of it?” — or even whether others always appreciate it. Instead, we should ponder whether others are benefitting from our gift.

A foundational question in this regard, of course, is: “Am I even employing my gift in the church?” It is impossible for others to benefit from a gift you are not even using! And this verse tells us that is the purpose for which God gave you your gift: “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”