The Gifts And Mortal Vessels.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father …” says James (James 1:17). It is obvious that God’s gifts are perfect, but we need to be reminded that the mortal channels, through whom they are expressed, are not. Just because a person manifests the gifts does not mean that he is walking closely with the Lord. As the word “gift” implies, the gifts are not earned or retained—even by living a good life. The Book of Romans tells us, “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29 KJV). Don’t follow a person just because he has a “gift ministry.” Instead, look for the fruit in his life, for honesty and purity brought about by the Spirit of Truth—the Holy Spirit—and a hunger for and appreciation of God’s Word. Look for balanced teaching between literal and spiritual meanings of the Scripture, look for fellowship with other brethren; and then receive only that which is quickened to you by the Holy Spirit and which agrees with the Scripture. Remember, Christians don’t follow signs; signs follow Christians.

Dennis Bennett and Rita Bennett, The Holy Spirit and You. (Orlando, FL: Bridge-Logos, 1998), 83–84.