WHICH WAY?

A Response to "Which Way?"

The Danger of Human Formulas

There is a tendency among some believers with strong biblical backgrounds to slant their teachings on receiving spiritual gifts with their own ideas. They develop formulations, procedures, and step-by-step methods, telling people how they can receive the gifts of the Spirit. They perform on stage, giving the impression that God works in a certain prescribed way. This creates a subtle but dangerous shift. The focus moves from the sovereign Spirit to human technique. The emphasis moves from dependence on God to following a formula. And the result is that people become confused, discouraged, or hesitant to venture into the gifts at all. They feel that they must follow the right procedure, say the right words, or have the right experience. And when they do not see immediate results, they conclude that something is wrong with them.

The Confusion Caused by Methodologies

Nowadays, many people find it difficult to receive the spiritual gifts. Some even get confused. Others dare not venture into it. They have been hindered by the so-called methodologies. Instead of freeing people to seek God and trust His Spirit, these methods have become barriers. They have created a sense of performance rather than a posture of faith. They have turned a supernatural encounter into a human process. The gifts of the Spirit are not a technique to be mastered; they are a manifestation of the Spirit to be received. They are not a formula to be followed; they are a gift to be graciously given. When we focus on the methods, we miss the Master. When we rely on procedures, we limit the Spirit.

The Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures give us clear guidance on spiritual gifts. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:1 that he does not want us to be uninformed. The gifts are not to be ignored or feared; they are to be understood and sought. First Corinthians 12:7 reminds us that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the common good. The gifts are not for personal glory or self-exaltation; they are for building up the body. First Corinthians 14:12 encourages us to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, especially those that build up the church. Romans 12:6 reminds us that we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. Romans 12:3 calls us to think of ourselves with sober judgment, not more highly than we ought. Hebrews 11:6 declares that without faith it is impossible to please God, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. These passages are not a manual of procedures; they are an invitation to faith.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is this: we do not perform. God will do everything according to His ways. First Corinthians 12:11 makes this clear: "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines." The Spirit is sovereign. He gives gifts as He wills, to whom He wills, and when He wills. We cannot manipulate Him. We cannot control Him. We cannot force Him to act according to our methods. We can seek Him. We can ask Him. We can desire His gifts. We can position ourselves in humility and faith. But the distribution is entirely up to Him. He is not obligated to follow our procedures. He is not bound by our formulas. He is the Lord, and He will do what pleases Him.

The Proper Posture

The proper posture for receiving spiritual gifts is not performance but faith. It is not trying to manufacture an experience but trusting the Spirit to give what He knows is best. It is not following a human formula but seeking the face of God. We are to be eager for the gifts, but our eagerness must be accompanied by humility, patience, and submission to the Spirit's will. We are to ask, but we must remember that the Spirit distributes as He determines. We are to seek, but we must trust that He knows what is best for us and for the body. The gifts are not a reward for our efforts; they are a grace given according to His will. The focus should not be on the method but on the Master. The goal should not be the experience but the edification of the church.

Final Reflection

Which way? The way of faith, not formulas. The way of the Spirit, not procedures. The way of humility, not performance. God is not a God to be manipulated; He is a God to be trusted. He gives gifts not according to our techniques but according to His will. So let us stop trying to manufacture the supernatural. Let us stop relying on human methods. Let us seek the Lord with earnest hearts. Let us desire the gifts He has promised. And let us trust that the Spirit will distribute them just as He determines.

Prayer for the Gifts

Lord, I seek Your gifts with a humble heart. I desire what You desire for me and for Your church. Forgive me for the times I have relied on human formulas and methods. Forgive me for trying to control what only Your Spirit can do. I trust You to distribute the gifts as You determine. I am eager, but I am submitted. I desire, but I am patient. Let Your Spirit work in me and through me for the common good and for Your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.