The Bible teaches us clearly that spiritual gifts are diverse, but they all come from the same source. It says, "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:4). It continues, "And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:5). Then it adds, "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all" (1 Corinthians 12:6).
All of this leads to a powerful truth: "…the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Corinthians 12:7). This means the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone—for the common good, to bless others, and to bring profit to all.
The Scripture then begins to list the gifts of the Spirit. It says, "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge…to another faith…to another the gifts of healing…to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:" (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
All these gifts operate by the same Spirit, as Scripture concludes, "…all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will" (1 Corinthians 12:11). Yet, the Bible also makes something very clear—we are permitted, even encouraged, to desire these gifts. It says, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts…" (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Listen carefully: the only way to have these gifts working in your life is by desiring them. They do not manifest simply with time. Desire is what brings them. How strong is your desire to see the sick healed? How strong is your desire to walk in the word of wisdom? The word of wisdom deals strictly with the future. A word of wisdom is divine counsel concerning events yet to come—direction, warning, or guidance ahead of time. The word of knowledge, on the other hand, deals with the past and the present. It gives supernatural insight into things that have happened or things that are happening now, just as seen when Peter told Ananias, "…thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God" (Acts 5:3–4).
The gift of faith is different from your everyday faith. When it is in operation, impossibility is not recognized. It is the gift that causes spontaneous miracles. It comes suddenly, operates powerfully, and produces immediate results.
These gifts are not reserved for pastors alone. They are for all of God's children, because God declared, "…I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh…" (Joel 2:28). As you minister to people and reach out to the lost, these gifts are available to heal, bless, and empower lives. Desire spiritual gifts; give the Holy Spirit room to manifest Himself through you. These gifts are for your life, your calling, and the people God has sent you to bless.