When a Spiritual Gift Becomes a Spiritual Standard | Walking in the Spirit – Part Three

Sometimes confusion does not come from doubt or disbelief.
It comes from comparison.

A believer hears about a spiritual gift—perhaps speaking in tongues.
They respect it.
They believe it is biblical.
They may have even witnessed it in people they love.

But over time, a quiet question begins to form:

If I don’t have that gift… am I missing something?
Am I less connected to God?
Am I behind spiritually?

Scripture does not avoid these questions.
It answers them directly—and gently.

📖 “Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages?”
— 1 Corinthians 12:29–30 (NLT)

The implied answer is no.

And that “no” is not a deficiency.
It is God’s design.

Tongues Are a Gift — Not a Measure of Spiritual Standing

Throughout this series, we have seen that speaking in tongues is:

• real
  

• biblical
  

• purposeful
  

But Scripture is equally clear that it is not universal.

The difficulty begins when a gift—any gift—is subtly treated as a standard for spiritual maturity, clarity, or closeness to God.

📖 “The same Spirit distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT)

If God decides which gifts are given, then comparison has no authority.

Clarity does not come from possessing every gift.
It comes from walking with the One who gives them.

The Holy Spirit Works Through Many Gifts — Often Quietly

Scripture lists a variety of spiritual gifts, including:

• wisdom
  

• knowledge
  

• faith
  

• healing
  

• discernment
  

• prophecy
  

• tongues
  

• interpretation of tongues
  

📖 1 Corinthians 12:8–10 (NLT)

Not all of these gifts look dramatic.
Many appear in ordinary, faithful lives as:

• steady wisdom in difficult moments
  

• discernment that protects without spectacle
  

• teaching that brings understanding
  

• encouragement that strengthens the weary
  

• mercy that reflects the heart of Christ
  

These are not lesser gifts.
They are essential.

📖 “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT)

No part is missing.
No part is behind.

When Spiritual Advice Brings Doubt Instead of Peace

Sometimes spiritual advice is offered with good intentions—but it leaves a believer feeling unsettled rather than strengthened.

When advice causes you to:

• doubt God’s past faithfulness in your life
  

• feel suddenly unqualified
  

• question your calling
  

• feel spiritually “behind”
  

Scripture invites discernment, not self-condemnation.

📖 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
— Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

Peace is not an optional feeling.
It is a guide.

The Holy Spirit does not create confusion by contradicting His own Word.
He does not elevate one gift by diminishing another.
And He does not lead His children through fear.

📖 “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:33 (NLT)

You Are Not Behind — You Are Being Led

Spiritual growth does not follow a single timeline.

Some understanding comes quickly.
Some takes time to settle.
And some clarity comes only after we have walked with God a little longer.

📖 “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
— Galatians 5:25 (NLT)

If you are walking with Him, listening for His voice, and seeking His truth—you are not missing God.

You are being led.

Closing Reflection

This devotional is not meant to resolve every question or define a spiritual destination.

Faith unfolds gently.
Understanding comes in seasons.
And connection with God deepens over time—not through comparison, but through trust.

If something here brought clarity, receive it with gratitude.
If something raised questions, hold them patiently before God.
And if nothing feels settled yet, that is not failure—it is part of learning to listen.

The Holy Spirit is patient.
He does not rush understanding or demand certainty.
He walks with us, faithfully and personally, at a pace shaped by love.

🌿 A Prayer for Ongoing Guidance

Holy Spirit,
Thank You for walking with me at a pace You know is right.
Teach me without pressure, lead me without fear,
and help me trust Your presence even when understanding is still forming.
I place my questions, my faith, and my journey in Your care.
Amen.

P.S.
If this devotional spoke to your heart, I invite you to share your reflections in the comments. Your words bless this community and often encourage someone else who is quietly walking a similar path.

With love and faith,
Faitheful Pen 🌸
His Words Give Life
HisWordsMinistry.com