BALANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 

BALANCE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

“A just balance and scales belong to the LORD. All the weights of the bag are His concern”. Proverbs 16:11

“Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, And a false scale is not good.” Proverbs 20:23

“Let Him weigh me with accurate scales,
And let God know my integrity.” Job 31:6

BALANCE

Whether a “spirit level“, a “bubble level” or simply a level. It is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Different types of ‘spirit levels’ may be used by carpenters, stonemasons, bricklayers, surveyors and other building trades workers.

More so with God’s creation. He is the Master Designer and has created all things with precision and balance.

The Apostle Paul dealt with matters of balance within the fledgling Church. There were those in the Church who would take liberties or license with the Word of God in their practices. For example, in 1 Corinthians 14:23, Paul says, “Therefore if the whole church gathers together and all the people speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are insane?”

Some were new believers who simply needed instruction. Others were believers who, perhaps, got carried away with new-found freedom in Christ and went to excess. There were yet others were deliberately drawing attention to themselves out of pride, arrogance or were creating divisions within the Church.

 

 

One area of concern, which was subject to abuse, is Spiritual gifts. Paul taught balance in the Church regarding these matters:

1 Corinthians 12:1-10, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.

Therefore, I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

To one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually, just as He wills.”

Clearly, there are Spiritual gifts present within the Church, today:

Romans 12	1 Corinthians 12	Corinthians 12	Ephesians 4
Prophecy	Word of Wisdom	Apostle	Apostle
Serving	Word of Knowledge	Prophet	Prophet
Teaching	Faith	Teacher	Evangelist
Exhortation	Gift of Hearing	Miracles	Pastor
Giving	Miracles	Healing	Teacher
Overseer	Prophecy	Helps
Mercy	Distinguishing Spirits	Administration
Tongues	Tongues
Interpretation of Tongues

But, we must remember, these are Gifts from the Spirit of God and of the Spirit of God. They are not gifts of man, and they are not even gifts of Christians.

The Holy Spirit gives and empowers these Gifts for the benefit of the Body of Christ and for the Glory of God. The Works and Gifts of God are manifest by Him through His creation.

If you truly have the gift of prophecy, remember, it is the Spirit of God working through you, not you of yourself.

If you truly have the gift of healing, remember, it is the Spirit of God working through you, not you of yourself.

If you truly have the gift of giving, remember, it is the Spirit of God working through you, and not you of yourself.

We should not boast in our Spiritual Gift, but honor God, glorify God and find order in the balance of God’s Kingdom.

Let’s pursue our calling and our gifts with all zeal, but in balance, with decency and order, so to bring honor and glory to our King!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Spiritual Gifts (and a Spiritual Gifts Test)

The Kingdom of God in your midst?