Covet the Best Gifts

Written by Jack Hayford

"Covet earnestly the best gifts." - 1 Corinthians 12:31 (KJV)

It's amazing to see how the light dawns among students, pastors, and believers as we study the distinction between the gifts of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Learning to distinguish the source and purpose of the different gifts of the Godhead truly opens up "the eyes of our understanding."

All of us who know the Lord are all filled with a stirring inside that draws us to find our place as a ministering member of the Body of Christ. Some are called to vocational ministry but for all believers, there are gifts to be recognized, cultivated, and then distributed to others. We are learning how to be His hands extended.

Gaining a clear understanding of what the Word of God says about the gifts of the Godhead will help to form in you a basis for the operation of those gifts—not only in yourself, but also as ministry tools for cultivation of His Kingdom.

The Touch of the Master's Hand

"Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp." Psalm 147:7

My favorite classical guitar piece is called "Recuerdos del Alhambra." And nobody plays it like Christopher Parkening, probably the greatest classical guitarist in the world. My husband, Ken, is friends with Christopher. They both like to fish; so whenever we're together, the subject is trout and tuna.

Recently, the three of us were at our home, and Ken left the room to get an fishing rod to show Christopher. I said, "Chris, I'm sorry to sound like such a fan, but one day I would love it if you would play for me 'Recuerdos del Alhambra.'" Then Ken was back in the room, and the subject turned to fish.

Later that night, as Christopher was about to leave, Ken said, "Hey, I want to show you my high school guitar and see what you think of it." Ken brought out that old, beat-up clunker that had never played much more than "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore." It was cracked, and its strings, fossilized.

Show Gratitude ... in Everything

 

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18

The anointing is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables me to do things with ease. It could be greater insight, greater energy, greater joy, or greater blessing of any proportion; and I want a greater anointing. One of the quickest routes to a greater anointing is to show gratitude to God—in everything.

Thanking God for everything and thanking Him in everything are not exactly the same thing. Not many people thank Him for everything. We may end up doing that—when enough time rolls along that "all things work together for good" (Rom. 8:28, KJV). Then we may thank Him for things that were once evil and caused grief. But I do not counsel that we must thank Him for everything at any given moment.