What does it matter if the Greek word charisma refers to a ministry instead of a gift? I see several things:
- Too many people spend excessive time and worry trying to discover their spiritual gift. They seek a mysterious hidden talent or miraculous awakening of this special gift. It seems to me if we help people see that they are part of a body and will be expected to find a way to serve within that body, it takes some of the mystique out of the process. For many, the end result will be the same, but the way of getting to that result will be less stressful and more understandable.
- To my way of thinking, understanding that charismata are ministries helps us see that they are always for building up the body and never merely for personal edification. That’s stated clearly in the New Testament, but seems all the more obvious when we realize that we’re looking for an activity or a ministry and not just some mysterious ability.
- Our schools have a “Gifted and Talented Program.” It focuses on kids with a natural ability for learning. When we speak of spiritual gifts, we’re often talking about the same thing: a talent. We say things like “He’s a gifted song leader.” Where it gets complicated is when we begin to attribute those gifts to something the Christian received post conversion. If he’s a gifted song leader and that gift is seen as coming from the Holy Spirit, then we are sinning against the Holy Spirit if we don’t let that person lead singing. Sometimes a talented singer is not a good worship leader. Or sometimes there are other issues in the person’s life that get in the way. When we recognize that talent is not a Spirit-given charisma, we can look at things more objectively.
Those are some basic thoughts. What do you see?
Tim, I have enjoyed this series and I like the conclusion (although, not being a Greek-o-phile, I am not sure about changing the definition of charisma/mata to “ministry.”) I have a question, and it is an honest question (not trying to goad you into a disagreement). What about the “contributing” gift/ministry in Romans 12? Are not all members expected to share/give of their blessings? What would a “charisma” of contributing look like compared to a “normal” (or un-charismatic) giving? And how would your view of “ministry” of contributing change this meaning, if at all? I ask because each of the other gifts/ministries can arguably be said to be unique to an individual, and not necessarily expected of the church community in general. Giving, however, seems to break that pattern. Or am I missing something?
As I said, I like the general drift of your point in this series. I agree that it removes much of our angst about discovering our “spiritual gift.” And I have known far too many “gifted” song leaders who were, to be blunt, miserable worship leaders. They were just too in love with their “gift,” and could not understand why the congregation could not follow their “giftedness.” Same too, sad to say, with a number of preachers of my acquaintance.
As with Habakkuk of old, I shall retire to my watch post and await your erudite response.
Paul
It’s a good question. In a similar way, 1 Corinthians 12:9 points to the gift of faith. Either as a special ability or a ministry, these seem unusual.
THAT’S IT?! I toss you a softball worthy of a Master’s Thesis and I get a three sentence sound bite? Lol! Just teasing – I asked the question because it was asked of me, and although I thought I had an answer I ended up tripping over my tongue. I’ve got too many other fish to fry so I have not pondered the question in a while. Was hoping you could bail me out. I guess I need to sit at my watch post for a little longer. :)