結果子本身還不是目的。有一更大的目的是：上帝得榮耀。「叫人得益處」還在這個目的之下。屬靈恩賜和果子的終極目標是使人歸向上帝。保羅這麼說：當一個罪人來到一個有活力的、恩賜運行中的教會，「他就必將臉伏地，敬拜上帝說，『上帝真是在你們中間了！』」吸引人的不是靈恩，而是上帝的同在。

        我們這些經常上教會的人或許都需重新認識什麼是屬靈事工。活動並不一定等於事工。我們「奉主的名」做太多太多的事。不幸的是，如果我們誠實的話，我們所辦的許多活動其實與一般人參加的社團活動沒有兩樣。籌備會、長執會、退修會、聚會、特別聚會、節慶──都是奉主名做的。

        而我們總是在開始時作「期許」的禱告──像餐前的謝飯禱告一樣──好像當我們要求，上帝就有義務要祝福；好像一個禱告就能神奇的將人間的熱情轉變成天上的燈火。

        老實說，我們許多的「屬靈」活動大部分是使我們疲憊不堪。我們變得緊張過度、不能自抑；當我們再與其他緊張、狂亂的弟兄姐妹相處時，衝突和混亂就不可避免的產生了。

        保羅說，在我們的教會事工中使上帝得榮耀的最後結果是安靜，不是混亂。這或許可用來檢驗你是否真的在服事。你因著某種企圖心而無法自抑的工作嗎？或者你的心平靜安穩？

        主啊，今天的經文一開始就勸我們要追求愛，並要切慕屬靈的恩賜，特別是作先知講道（預言）的恩賜。聖經在其他地方也說，「預言中的靈意乃是為耶穌作見證」。求您再次用您聖靈的能力充滿我們，使我們與失喪的人分享耶穌。奉主耶穌聖名，阿們！

English

        Fruitfulness, however, is not an end in itself. There’s a greater end in view: God’s glory. Even the “common good” is subject to this greater end. The ultimate goal of spiritual giftedness and fruitfulness is to point men and women to God. Paul puts it this way: when a person, still in his sins, comes into contact with a vibrant, functioning church, “he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!” (v.25b). It’s not charisma that impresses the sinner; it’s the presence of God.

        Maybe we church- goers need to get a fresh view of what constitutes spiritual ministry. Let’s get one thing straight: activity does not necessarily equate with ministry. We do so much, so very much, “in the name of God”. Unfortunately, much of our activity, if we’re honest with ourselves, is nothing other that what anyone who is a member of any other kind of social organization does. Committees, planning meetings, retreats, gatherings, special emphasis days, and holiday celebrations – all are done in the name of God.

        And we always give that expected prayer at the beginning, like “grace” before a meal; as if God is obliged to bless when we ask Him; as if a prayer magically transforms human heart into heavenly light.

        And to be frank, so much of our “spiritual” activity mostly tires us out. We become stressed and driven, and as we interact with other stressed and driven brothers, there is inevitable conflict and confusion.

        Paul says the end result of making God glorious in our church ministry is not confusion, but peace. Maybe that’s how to determine whether or not you are truly ministering. Are you driven? Or are you at peace?

        Lord, this reading begins with an exhortation to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that we may prophesy. Help us to remember that elsewhere Your Word says “the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Fill us afresh with the power of Your Holy Spirit to share Jesus with the lost today.