Spiritual gifts are powerful, and power can be destructive if misused. The church at Corinth had plenty of gifts but little love and little order. Paul had to correct them: "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way" 1 Corinthians 14:40. Order is not the enemy of the Spirit. It is the love of the Spirit in action.

Love Is More Important Than Gifts

Paul writes the famous chapter: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" 1 Corinthians 13:1. Gifts without love are noise. Love is the atmosphere in which gifts become beautiful.

A prophet who does not love becomes harsh. A teacher who does not love becomes proud. A healer who does not love becomes mercenary. A leader who does not love becomes controlling.

Order Protects the Vulnerable

Order in the use of gifts protects the church from confusion, manipulation, and harm. Paul's guidelines for Corinth included:

• Limit the number of tongues in a meeting unless there is interpretation.
• Let prophets speak one at a time, and let others weigh what is said.
• Women and men should participate in ways appropriate to their culture and calling.
• God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

These rules were not to suppress the Spirit but to ensure that "all things be done for the strengthening of the church" 1 Corinthians 14:26.

Submission to One Another

The key to order is mutual submission. "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" Ephesians 5:21. In a healthy church, every gifted person submits their gift to the good of the body. Leaders submit to accountability. Prophets submit to testing. Teachers submit to correction. Everyone serves in love.

When Gifts Cause Division

If a gift is causing division, it is not being used according to the Spirit. The Spirit unifies. He does not fracture. Where there is strife over gifts, there is almost always pride, fear, or misunderstanding.

A Love Test

Before using any gift, ask:

• Does this build up the church?
• Does this point to Jesus?
• Does this show love to the people involved?
• Would I still serve if no one noticed?

If the answer is yes, proceed. If not, pause and repent.