We’ll be studying 1 Corinthians 12 this week, a lengthy treatise on matters of the Holy Spirit and His empowerment of the gifts He has given people.  Everyone has a gift.  In other words, everyone has something to contribute to the glory of God on this earth.  However, there are many people who do not submit their gift to the Spirit.  In that sense, their gift is not “spiritual,” it is not under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  Paul, Barnabas, Timothy and other missionaries of the first century submitted their gift to the Holy Spirit and their apostolic and evangelistic efforts reflected this empowerment.  The Spirit was enabling them, Jesus Christ was being exalted and the body of Jesus Christ was being edified.  This is what the Holy Spirit does.  Paul did not use his gift for his own promotion or pleasure.  His gift was empowered by the Spirit for the growth of the church to the glory of God.  Not all that happens in the church or on the mission field is spiritual, in that it is empowered by the Holy Spirit.  However, when it is, one or both of the Spirit’s principal intentions is taking place.  Jesus Christ is being magnified and the church is being “built up” in their faith.  Pray that our missionaries will use their gifts in the power and under the influence of the Holy Spirit.