In the midst of this extensive discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12 and 14), Paul stresses the absolute necessity for love to control the desire for the gifts and the exercise of the gifts of the Spirit. Love surpasses all the gifts in importance. Love is permanent; the gifts will pass away. We must not be like children playing with toys as we exercise God's gifts, but we must maturely seek the edification of others as we exercise these powerful gifts.
Another way of making this point is to emphasize the priority of the fruit of the Spirit---love, joy, peace, etc. over the gifts of the Spirit. See Gal. 5:22-23. The fruit of the Spirit will give us the spiritual maturity and motivation to exercise the gifts to edify the church, to strengthen, encourage and build up the body of Christ.
Apparently, it is possible to become intoxicated with the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit. This spectacular supernatural power, which has its place, can get out of hand. Derek Prince, himself a charismatic leader, warns his fellow charismatics against the excesses of the movement. Prince was in Kenya participating in a service in which the supernatural blessing of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the people. Prince comments:
"We had touched God, . . . His power was at our disposal. God spoke to my spirit, and said, "Do not let them make the same mistake that Pentecostals have so often made in the past, by squandering my power in spiritual self-indulgence. Instead, pray for the nation of Kenya."
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