Are You Serving for God's Glory or Your Own?
In a world obsessed with self-promotion, how are we using our spiritual gifts? God has given us these gifts not for personal gain but to glorify Him and build up others. Are we serving with love, or are we seeking recognition? This blog challenges us to shift our focus from self to Christ, using our gifts to encourage and strengthen the church.
We live in a world where self-promotion is encouraged at every step. Social media platforms are filled with people displaying their talents, achievements, and even spiritual expressions, often to gain attention, approval, or influence. Sadly, even in Christian circles, there’s a temptation to use spiritual gifts to elevate ourselves rather than to glorify God.
But Scripture presents a radically different perspective. Spiritual gifts are given to believers not for personal fame, but to build up the church and honour God. The Apostle Paul reminds us:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:31
This principle applies to every area of life—including how we use our spiritual gifts.
In 1 Corinthians 14:1–25, Paul addresses the misuse of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues, in the Corinthian church. Instead of using their gifts to serve the body of Christ, some believers were creating confusion in worship. Paul acknowledges that tongues are a real gift of the Spirit, but he makes it clear that their use must be orderly and beneficial for the whole church. He explains that prophecy—speaking God’s Word clearly and understandably—is more valuable in the gathered church because it brings strength, encouragement, and comfort to others. Paul compares speaking in unknown tongues without interpretation to playing musical instruments without clear notes—no one understands, and no one benefits.
“The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
– 1 Corinthians 14:3
“Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.”
– 1 Corinthians 14:12
He adds that even unbelievers who witness confusing displays of tongues may be pushed away, but when they hear clear, convicting truth, they may fall down and worship God, declaring:
“God is really among you!”
– 1 Corinthians 14:25
Whether one believes that tongues have ceased or continue today, the central point is unchanged: all spiritual gifts must be used to strengthen others and glorify God—not to elevate ourselves.
Today’s culture places great value on visibility and influence. This mindset can creep into the church and tempt people to use their gifts for recognition instead of service. But the Christian life is one of humility, where each member of the body needs the others.
“No member of the body of Christ is endowed with such perfection as to be able, without the assistance of others, to supply his own necessities.” –
