How to Desire Spiritual Gifts Without Chasing Spectacle

Written by Rev Elphas Sipho Mdluli

Introduction

The Bible gives Christians permission to desire spiritual gifts, but it also gives us boundaries for how those gifts should be understood and pursued. Paul writes, “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31, NKJV). The desire itself is not condemned. What matters is whether our pursuit remains centred on Christ, governed by Scripture, shaped by love and submitted to the Holy Spirit.

In an age when dramatic spiritual claims can spread quickly, believers need both openness and discernment. We should not become so suspicious that we resist everything supernatural, nor should we become so fascinated by extraordinary experiences that we stop testing what we hear and see. Learning how to desire spiritual gifts biblically helps us remain hungry for God while staying grounded in His Word.

1. Start With the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are not given primarily to make an individual appear important. Scripture presents them as manifestations of the Spirit given “for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NKJV). Their purpose is connected to service, edification and the strengthening of Christ’s body.

When you desire spiritual gifts, therefore, begin with a servant’s question: How can God use my life to strengthen other people? That question protects the heart from turning spiritual gifting into personal branding, competition or a search for recognition.

A gift may be powerful, but Christian maturity is revealed in how that gift is carried. The Holy Spirit does not need us to manufacture importance around ourselves. He calls us to faithful service.

2. Let Love Govern Your Desire

First Corinthians 12 leads directly into the great chapter on love. That sequence matters. Paul discusses spiritual gifts and then shows believers “a more excellent way.” First Corinthians 13 teaches that impressive spiritual activity without love can become empty noise.

This means that believers who desire spiritual gifts should also desire patience, humility, kindness, truthfulness and self-control. Gifts and character must not be separated. A person can become fascinated with what appears powerful while neglecting the ordinary Christian responsibility to love people well.

Ask not only, “What gift do I want God to use through me?” Also ask, “Am I becoming more like Christ in the way I treat people?” A biblical pursuit of spiritual gifts should deepen love rather than diminish it.

3. Do Not Confuse Spectacle With the Presence of God

Not everything that attracts attention is evidence of greater spiritual power. God can work dramatically, but He is not limited to dramatic moments. Scripture records extraordinary miracles, yet it also repeatedly honours obedience, faithfulness, wisdom, prayer, teaching, generosity and service.

If we learn to measure God’s activity only by what looks spectacular, we may overlook His work in quiet transformation. A restored relationship, a believer gaining courage to obey Scripture, a person turning away from sin, or someone receiving wisdom for a difficult decision may not attract a crowd, but these can be profound expressions of God’s grace.

When you desire spiritual gifts, resist the pressure to perform. You do not need to exaggerate an experience, force an outcome or imitate another minister. Allow God to work according to His wisdom and give Him the glory.

4. Test Spiritual Claims by Scripture

Spiritual openness does not require spiritual gullibility. Scripture tells believers, “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, NKJV). Notice the balance: do not quench, do not despise, but do test.

Testing is therefore not unbelief. It is part of responsible discipleship. A claimed revelation should never be used to overturn the clear teaching of Scripture, manipulate people, create fear or place a human personality beyond accountability.

Believers should examine the message, the fruit, the biblical consistency and the way a claimed gift is being exercised. We do not need to accept everything merely because spiritual language is used. At the same time, we should not reject genuine work of the Spirit merely because it is unfamiliar to us.

5. Keep Jesus at the Centre

The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ. Jesus said of the Spirit, “He will glorify Me” (John 16:14, NKJV). This provides an important orientation for spiritual ministry.

When spiritual gifts are exercised biblically, attention should ultimately move toward Jesus—His lordship, His gospel, His character and His purposes. A ministry culture becomes unhealthy when people become more fascinated with personalities, manifestations or spiritual status than with Christ Himself.

If you desire spiritual gifts, keep asking whether your pursuit is helping you love Jesus, obey His Word and serve His people more faithfully. Gifts should support discipleship, not replace it.

6. Pursue Gifts Without Neglecting Ordinary Faithfulness

Some believers can become so interested in discovering a spiritual gift that they overlook responsibilities already placed before them. Yet Scripture consistently values faithfulness.

Pray for God to use you, but also serve where there is a need. Study Scripture. Develop integrity. Honour your commitments. Forgive people. Give generously. Share the gospel. Pray for others. Learn to listen. Become dependable.

The supernatural life is not an escape from ordinary obedience. God often develops people through ordinary responsibilities before entrusting them with greater influence. A healthy desire for spiritual gifts should therefore make us more faithful, not less grounded.

7. Stay Teachable and Accountable

Spiritual gifting does not make anyone infallible. The New Testament places gifts within the community of believers, where there is discernment, order and mutual responsibility. First Corinthians 14 repeatedly emphasises edification and orderly participation.

Remain willing to receive correction. Do not build your identity around always being right. Mature believers can say, “I may have misunderstood,” examine something again and submit their conclusions to Scripture.

Accountability protects both the person exercising a gift and the people receiving ministry. It creates room for growth without requiring us to pretend that every impression, interpretation or decision is perfect.

8. Ask God for Gifts With the Right Heart

It is biblical to ask God to use your life. Paul explicitly tells believers to “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NKJV). The answer is not to suppress spiritual hunger; it is to purify it.

Ask God for gifts so that people may be strengthened, encouraged and drawn toward Christ. Ask Him to give you wisdom to recognise what comes from Him and humility to reject what does not. Ask for courage to obey when He genuinely leads you and restraint when you are uncertain.

To desire spiritual gifts in this way is not chasing spectacle. It is seeking to become a useful, loving and discerning servant in the hands of God.

Conclusion: Desire the Giver More Than the Gift

Spiritual gifts have an important place in the life of the church, but they must remain within the larger purpose of Christian discipleship. We are called to know Christ, love one another, obey Scripture, proclaim the gospel and build up the body of Christ.

You can desire spiritual gifts without becoming obsessed with manifestations. You can believe that God still works powerfully while testing spiritual claims carefully. You can remain open to the Holy Spirit while refusing manipulation, exaggeration and disorder.

Above all, desire the Giver more than the gift. Seek Christ before recognition, love before spectacle, truth before excitement and faithful service before spiritual status. When spiritual gifts operate within those boundaries, they can serve their biblical purpose: glorifying Jesus and strengthening His people.