NOTES for Co1 12:27-31
It is very important to understand that gifts in the Church are not “distributed” according to certain principles. A gift is a present, and there is only one principle by which presents are given: the giver’s desire. The Lord Himself decides which gift to give and to whom. We must remember that if a certain gift exists, it was given by the Lord and should be used for His glory. If, however, one does not have a certain gift but longs for it... Paul says that we may earnestly desire the greater gifts; we may strive for and ask God for various gifts. But we cannot demand them. The Lord is free; He gives what He considers necessary.