October 16

"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith." Acts 11:24

We see people who appear richly endowed with gifts by God, and we think how wealthy they are and how greatly he uses them. Yet what really brings help to those in need is not these impressive gifts and utterances; it is the life that rises triumphant over death in those who, like Paul, "die daily."

God sovereignly bestows gifts upon one here and on one there that they may serve as his mouthpieces, but what he really seeks are not spokesmen but vessels for the communication of that life by the Spirit. This resurrection life of Jesus flows out from those in whom "the dying of Jesus" is at work within (2 Corinthians 4:10). He who puts his trust in spiritual gifts is being foolish, for such gifts do not necessarily work that transformation in the inner man. It is out of brokenness that there can come forth life.