Prov 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. 

At first this verse seems pretty obvious. It certainly makes sense to know where you’re going if you have any hope of getting there. But there’s a more subtle message in there that speaks to the bride of Christ, encouraging her to consider the wisdom of something far more important.

Paul gave us a clue in his letter to the Romans:

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

In terms of our discussion here, let’s look at both of these verses in the context of spiritual gifts. Proverbs tells us that we need to be wise and understand the gift(s) we have been given. And Romans  tells us that we are to examine ourselves and carefully and prayerfully consider who we are and what we are to do with the gift(s).

Take the example of Philip in Acts 8. He was preaching in Samaria and there was a revival as many were saved and healed. But he realized that he was called to be an evangelist and so he called for Peter and John to come and pray for those who were saved so that they might receive the power of the Holy Spirit.  The point being that he realized what God had gifted him to be and to do and so he turned to Peter and John to utilize their gift.

The point here is that the bride of Christ is made up of many and the many have varied gifts. But those gifts were not intended to operate independently. Yes, God will use them that way, but He desires that His bride work as a team. As Paul said, we are of one body with many members (gifts). If we try and go it alone we are only going to get frustrated because we are out of order; we are functioning out of His plan.

Remember, the gift(s) that we have been given is primarily for the other members of the bride. We are to utilize them to keep her healthy, both spiritually and physically. When we do, the Holy Spirit is able to work through us to accomplish the calling Jesus has set before us… spread the Gospel and make disciples. But we can’t do that alone… there is just no room in the body of Christ for Lone Rangers. We need each other and we all need each other’s gift(s).

Going back to Proverbs, it’s the wise member of the bride that knows what his or her calling and ministry are. That’s why it’s critical for each of us to find our gift(s) and carry it out. Each member of the bride has a critical and meaningful function in the body of Christ. He has given us a vital role to fulfill in bringing His Kingdom in its fullness. And we can’t afford to forget that every gift, every member of bride, is important… none more important than the other.

1 Cor 12:20-25 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

As His bride we are a team the world desperately needs. And if we are to bring the world the hope it’s seeking we have to be healthy and strong, both in the natural and in the spirit. We need each other’s gift(s) in order for each of us to become all that Jesus created us to be. To become the earthen vessel that carries His light into a lost world. It takes a team folks… a healthy team. The creator has supplied all the necessary parts but it’s up to us to use them… and use them wisely as a whole body.