Ephesians 4:7-8 English Standard Version

7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

I have received a gift, one gift. I have not received all the gifts. I know what it is and I know how to use it and I dare not abuse it.

We are all subject to Christ and if at any time the Holy Spirit chooses to manifest Himself in a manner that reaches out to the needy via another gift in a moment, that does not mean they have received another gift. It only means that opportunity dictates need and not gifting.

Can a Christian receive more than one gift? That is not for me to say. I am not the giver of gifts.

What can be observed is that when the Holy Spirit chooses to use us in the appearance of another gift, to those who possess those gifts, it might appear that they stepped out of their lane and crossed over into another’s arena.

This is where grace is required to realize what God is doing at that moment. Each and every one of us can be used by God in any manner He deems necessary at any particular moment if for no other reason than no one else was available to perform His will.

An example in my life was being asked to take over a bible study in a life group that met once a week. Our leader with the gift of a teacher needed a break. I do not have the gift of teaching. I used my gift to lead the group and the study of Ephesians took a year under my leadership. A  teaching gift would have completed the study in a month to six weeks.

The application of gifts is important and must stay in its own lane to be effective.

Time and training is needed to perfect and utilize our gifts properly. That is not something we should be impatient about developing and using.

Another example from my past was being pushed into a position simply because there was a vacancy that needed to be filled.

The absence of a particular gift in our churches does not mean we should push those who do not have that gift into a position of performance. They will only fail, and that is not fair to anyone.

Romans 14:22 English Standard Version (ESV) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

Do not judge others and do not judge yourselves.

The only way to accomplish this is to have a close personal relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 6:5 English Standard Version (ESV) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Matthew and Mark quote Deuteronomy 6.5 but Luke adds one more suggestion.

Luke 10:27 English Standard Version (ESV) And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

The love of God cannot be contained. It went unsaid in two gospels and is addressed in the third synoptic gospel and it was not spoken of in John’s gospel at all. Why?

Luke 1:1-4 English Standard Version

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.

Luke had a personal relationship withTheophilus and had some concerns with what was being taught. His love for his friend compelled him to clarify some issues so that his friend should come to know the truth. Luke’s observation of what God’s love does in mankind became apparent.

Why didn’t John’s gospel include a quote from Deuteronomy 6:5? Some history is required to understand why. John’s gospel was written some 70 years later. A good long time had passed and much of the teachings of Christ during those days failed to include some very important information that was not being taught during those times.

John had a special love and relationship with Jesus Christ. That is my opinion, and mine alone, do not take my word for it, but discover it for yourselves. A close personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference.