What has happened to Spiritual gifts"?

1 Corinthians 13:1-3:

If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give away all my possessions and if I give over my body in order to boost but do not have love, I gain nothing. 

What are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are abilities, talents, or capacities given to individual Christians for the purpose of serving God and others within the Christian community. They are meant to be used to build up the body of Christ.  These gifts are meant to be used for the edification of the church and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

We can find spiritual gifts listed in Scriptures, specifically - Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 28-30, and Ephesians 4:11.

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV):

Prophecy: The gift of speaking forth God's messages, often focused on edification, exhortation, and comfort.

Serving: The capacity to serve others selflessly and meet practical needs within the church.

Teaching: The ability to communicate and explain God's truth effectively to others.

Encouragement: The gift of encouraging and motivating others toward spiritual growth and maturity.

Giving: The ability to give generously and cheerfully for the benefit of the church and those in need.

Leadership: The gift of providing leadership, organization, and guidance within the church.

Mercy: The gift of showing compassion, empathy, and kindness to those who are suffering or in distress.

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV):

Wisdom: A deep understanding of God's truth and the ability to apply it practically to life situations.

Knowledge: Special insight and knowledge of God's Word and His will.

Faith: An ability to trust God and His promises in extraordinary circumstances.

Healing: Praying for and witnessing physical, emotional, or spiritual healing in others through divine intervention.

Prophecy: Speaking forth God's messages, including words of edification, exhortation, and comfort.

Discernment of Spirits: Distinguishing between different spirits, discerning whether they are of God, human, or evil origin.

Speaking in Tongues: The ability to speak in unknown languages as a form of prayer or communication with God.

Interpretation of Tongues: The gift of interpreting messages spoken in tongues, making them understandable to others.

1 Corinthians 12:28-30 (NIV):

Apostles: Those who are sent as messengers with a specific commission.

Prophets: Individuals who receive and convey God's messages and revelations.

Teachers: Those who are skilled in explaining and sharing God's Word.

Gifts of Healing: Those with the gift of praying for and witnessing healing.

Helps: Individuals who serve others selflessly, often behind the scenes.

Administration (Leadership): Those who provide guidance and organization within the church.

Tongues: Believers with the ability to speak in unknown languages.

Interpretation of Tongues: Those who can interpret messages spoken in tongues.

Ephesians 4:11 (NIV):

Apostles: Those sent forth with a specific commission to establish and build up the church.

Prophets: Individuals who receive divine revelations and communicate God's message.

Evangelists: Those who proclaim the gospel and lead others to faith in Christ.

Pastors (Shepherds): Leaders who provide spiritual care and guidance to the church.

It seems like all these scriptures tend to repeat themselves so I would take it that special emphasis has been placed on this subject matter. The church in Corinth knew about spiritual gifts but they failed to realize the purpose of the gifts. Gifts are not for us to show off but to build up the church. I can certainly say that we need a lot of building up in this day and age. That is where LOVE comes in. If you don't have love and you are doing it for the wrong reasons, it's just a lot of hot air. Paul's writing of love is perfect but it is also a warning. Spiritual gifts can go south really quick. Gifts are given to us as Christians. We all have them. Some come naturally while others are placed in our ministry. Everyone is called to be like JESUS. Have we answered that calling or we just coasting through our spiritual life? Don't get me wrong...there are people who go beyond their calling and strive to do everything possible to please the Lord with their time, talent and abilities BUT then there are people who have been given these special gifts who either abuse it or refuse to use them. Not only is this such a waste but think of all the people you are letting down. Most of all, you are letting God down. 

Ask God today to enrich you and reveal what HE would have you to do. Use your time, talent and abilities to upbuild the Kingdom of God. Can you imagine what could happen to the church, what could happen at Hodges Chapel, if everyone would build up the body of Christ?