Moving in time with the music.  The dance floor of love is the foundation.

The Holy Spirit has so many gifts he wants to pour out on all his people.  Because he loves us.  He gives good gifts to build his kingdom here on earth.  The gifts all work together, as when several workers are building on a common project.

When the dance floor was built, the builders didn’t say to one another, “I don’t need you”.  Or if the tools could talk, would they say, “You’re unacceptable, go away!  You’re too loud!    We can do the job without you!”

The foundation is built strong, so that many dancers can be on the floor at the same time and it will hold firm.  So it is with the Spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit of God.

Each gift is given for the building up of the church of Christ.  Building up.  Not to build fear.  Not intimidation.  No jealousies, no envy.

The gifts are beautiful and need to be tuned.  Each instrument in the symphony shined up and ready to play.  If we don’t use them in God’s design, we may sound like that “gong”, or “clanging cymbal”.

If we don’t use them at all or seek them out, are we saying we won’t play or are too fearful?

With order, and under the authority of our church leaders.  Covered with that quilt of prayer.  If I just run off across the dance floor, would I be in the palm of the Holy Spirit’s hand?

Instead of being hurtful, we can learn the music together and grow into the Spiritual gifts that have been given to each of us.   Play slowly at first.  Practice.  Move to a faster pace when ready.  A safe and caring environment.  Should some be pushed into fear, resistance or confusion?  He did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and sound mind.

Jesus showed us how to use gifts, when he was on earth.  A mystery we can’t understand.  Fully God, but acting as a human filled with the Holy Spirit.  The conductor of the orchestra  knows each of us well.  He has given us private lessons.

He gave words of knowledge, he healed, prayed, gave words of discernment, drove out unclean spirits, spoke prophetic words, proclaimed the good news, was a leader, served others, taught.

I hold out my hands in a prayer….that I will use what he gives, and use it to His glory.    Shine forth in His glorious riches.

Now the music is playing in harmony.  All the dance partners are in step.  The feet move with intention.  The dresses are flowing.  It’s a sound like that of heavenly chords.

A beautiful symphony of praise.

This is the sixth dynamic of the dance of cooperation with the Holy Spirit, Welcoming the gifts and Manifestations of the Holy Spirit.  These thoughts are inspired by the book, “Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit”, by Long, Stokes, and Strickler.  Stay tuned for the last one.  It’s exciting!!