But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

 Manifestation for the common good:

 

1 Corinthians 12:7, 11

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

           

            Notice that it says to each one is given the manifestation (or expression) of the Spirit for the common good. We’re all supposed to be manifesting or expressing the Holy Spirit. Most Christians are not doing that. Some are actually manifesting what seems like the exact opposite spirit. Usually it’s just the flesh.

            Do you want to get more out of church? Then allow the Holy Spirit to express Himself through you in the church … whether in a service or in some other way during the week. You don’t have to be a preacher to be manifesting the Spirit. What is the purpose of this expressing of the Spirit? It’s not to lift you up so everyone says, “Oooo. Look at him/her.” It’s for the common good. If it’s not bringing good to the church community, it’s not the Spirit being manifested.

            You don’t have to get good enough for this manifestation to happen. If that were true, there wouldn’t be any manifestation at all. Also, you don’t get to choose which manifestation you have. The Spirit chooses and does the work. He knows what’s best. One person may want to pray for the sick and see them healed. That’s a good thing to want. But if you get tunnel vision and are only looking for that manifestation to occur in your life, you may miss out on something even better for you and for the Church. Allow Him to choose and to manifest Himself.

 

If you could hear God speak to you, I believe this is what He would say:

            "You have Me residing in you, My children because you have My Spirit residing in you. He will show you the way to live your lives and to walk in My Kingdom and power. He will show you the way to manifest My presence and My power in your lives. He will show you how to minister to one another and to those in the world. He will manifest My power and My gifts that I have given unto you. They are to be used to help your fellow believers and to bring others into the Kingdom. You will not be alone; for He will show you the way to walk in My power in My Spirit.”           

 

            52. I will allow the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself in me in the way He desires so that I may bring good to my fellow believers.

 

            The Holy Spirit in us and in our lives is our destiny. This is what God had in mind all along. He wasn’t some afterthought. He is the real deal. When I allow Him to operate freely in my life, I will show forth to others what God has in store for His believers and will bless those around me.