A growing hunger for Christ: His gifts and our need to seek them.

I have been rattled as of late about how a majority of my friends are so caught up on finding their specific spiritual gifts. Although I believe it is important to realize the gifts God has given you, I think it is more important to realize the giver above all things. As an American, I truly focus on what people have done for me and what I have been given instead of the person giving it to me. In the same way we tend to focus on the happiness and joy God has given us instead of actually focusing on knowing God in a real and personal way. I want to know God in a way that transform my every thought to be like His. My thoughts to be His thoughts. My wills and desires to be His glorification and fame. 

I believe I have been given both the gifts of discernment and wisdom. These gifts were given to us as a means to make Gods name known among the nations. The thing I am getting strung up on is that these gifts are serving to validate our identity and strike up a great deal of pride in most people. Gods word says in John 14:6, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I don't really see this statement saying, no one comes to the father except through me and knowing your spiritual gifts. When does Christ become lower than His gifts? Never. 

What does this mean for me, as God has slowly revealed his aspirations and gifts in my life, I have no reason to do anything other than glorify Him. I do not want to be caught up more on His gifts than on Him. Without Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, none of us would be given the opportunity to have any gifts. 

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy." Paul states this with the attention of pointing out three things. 

1. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God to help glorify His name.
2. Prophesy is viewed as one of the top spiritual gifts, if not the top.
3. Loving God and loving people are the highest glorification of God. 

With all this in mind, I am going to be earnest about seeking out my spiritual gifts and that God would reveal them to me and teach me how to use them for His glory. Also, I have developed a sense of peace over the fact that God loves me and that love overflows into my worship for Him and the dedicated time and love I spend on other people.