Time To Rise

The gifts of the Spirit are in all Christians in some measure. The purpose of both gift and Christian is to serve the Kingdom of God. Where then should the emphasis on gifts be? The manifestation of the Holy Spirit during worship is not primarily meant to thrill believers so that we walk away thinking about how good church was today. The Spirit’s presence will certainly accomplish that end, but that is not the goal. His purpose is to call the unbeliever to God while filling believers in preparation for service in the field.
When our walk is no longer on a separate path and clearly distinguishable from the rest world in thought and deed, there is no longer a need for the power of the Spirit in worship because our worship leads nowhere. Revival begins and ends with reclaiming the true purpose of the Spirit. That purpose is new men, thinking new ways and calling on others to join them. Jesus ate with publicans and sinners, but when supper was over and the dishes done, He called them away from their former life saying:
“ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
We are given wisdom, knowledge, faith and all the rest of the gifts for the purpose of rising from the table and giving them away to whoever will receive them. The power of the Spirit is in the rising. Sitting joined to old habits and old, selfish thinking offers nothing; gives nothing; inspires nothing. Sitters have nothing. Rise up, therefore, and walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called.