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“Hungry for Greater Gifts?”

Thoughts for Today:

The Greek word "ZELOO" is translated by the NIV as "eagerly desire"; while the KJV tells us to "covet earnestly". Strong's Lexicon provides further insight: "to be heated or to boil with envy, hatred, anger; or in a good sense, to be zealous in the pursuit of good". So the idea is to really, really want greater spiritual gifts. Sometimes it is hard for people to understand that desire, coveting, envy and zealousness are either vices or virtues depending upon our attitude.

As we read our passage today, there is no mistaking Paul's instruction to "eagerly desire" -- to seek out and obtain -- all the spiritual gifts they could get. It might seem like a contradiction to the Spirit giving gifts to each person as He chooses, unless we understand that the Holy Spirit chooses to give gifts to those who are hungry for them. Paul wanted the Corinthians to "eagerly desire the greater gifts," but only if they held onto the right perspective and purpose.

Questions to Ponder:

Although it is very important to "earnestly desire" the best gifts -- to be all we can be in Christ -- there is something even greater. In Chapter Thirteen, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful in all the Bible, Paul will tell us even more.

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.