1 Corinthians 12:31a English Standard Version (ESV) But earnestly desire the higher gifts.

The 12^th chapter of 1^st Corinthians identifies the service gifts. Which are the higher gifts? The KJV uses the wording “covet earnestly the best gifts”. The same is true of bother versions. Which gifts are better or higher?

Coming from a Charismatic background I have witnessed a diverse opinion on the matter. Some would hold that their own particular gifts are the best and others should aspire to possess them. That attitude causes dissentions within the body of Christ and that is not what God wants for His children.

Take the approach that these gifts are from God are to be used with purpose to edify the body of Christ and bring unity to fellowship. It is best to accept our gifts with purpose and honor the giver with the proper use of the gifts to serve His purpose.

From the moment we became born again children of God it has been God’s design that we should grow in Christ and mature. Good fathers give responsibilities to their children according to the maturity of the child to succeed in responsibilities. God does not grow failures. He corrects behaviors to align the child within the boundaries of their responsibilities. Once they have proven themselves to be trustworthy, it is the father’s responsibility to promote the child to a position of more responsibility.

Luke 12:48b English Standard Version (ESV) Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

Covet the gift given and be faithful to perform those responsibilities in accordance with God’s plan. If we do this we will discover what God has planned for us as we grow in Christ and mature.

1 Corinthians 12:31b English Standard Version (ESV) And I will show you a still more excellent way.

Get that right and then God will show you a more excellent way.

Mark 15:10 English Standard Version (ESV) For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.

When we covet another’s position we tend to be envious of them and in so doing treat them unjustly.

The larger issue with envy is that by coveting those things that belong to another it effects how we treat one another. Envy disturbs relationships in ways that are subtle and mask the underlying cause. We can fain friendship but our heart is not right with them or our Lord.

We will become critical of that person, questioning why they should be deserving and why we are not. It will lead to quarrels and division within the church.

Romans 12:3 English Standard Version (ESV) For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Paul would not have warned us of this behavior if it were not already found within the body of Christ.

Psalm 139:23-24 English Standard Version

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
²⁴ And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Add to this prayer the strength to accept what God reveals and allow His Word to change our hearts and minds.

While this covet is troublesome to the Lord it is not so far afield of a better covet which brings into focus the service gifts of which this covet is closely related yet handled improperly.

Next the better covet.