Each Believer Has a Special Gift of the Spirit

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.ULe 35.7

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (verses 7-12, NRSV)ULe 35.8

When Moses was trying to carry burdens so heavy that he would have soon worn away, Jethro counseled him to plan for a wise distribution of responsibilities. “You should represent the people before God,” Jethro advised, “and you should bring their cases before God.” Jethro further advised that men be appointed to act as “officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens,” relieving Moses of many minor matters that consecrated helpers could handle. (Exodus 18:19, 21, NRSV.)ULe 36.1

Those in leading positions of responsibility in the church should deal with the more serious matters demanding special wisdom and compassion. Such people should not adjust minor matters that others are well qualified to manage.ULe 36.2

“Moses chose able men from all Israel. ... Hard cases they brought to Moses, but any minor case they decided themselves” (verses 25, 26, NRSV). Moses was careful to select men possessing dignity, sound judgment, and experience.ULe 36.3

Solomon was called to fill a position of leading responsibility, and David gave him a special command: “You, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you” (1 Chronicles 28:9).ULe 36.4