Why Are Some Folks Obsessed With Supernatural Spiritual Gifts?

Why Are Some Folks Obsessed With Supernatural Spiritual Gifts?

Dear Mr. John:
My friend goes to church but all he talks about is "charismata." Can you explain this to me and help me understand his obsession?
-LeRoy

Dear Bro. LeRoy:
There is a certain kind of person that is obsessed with the possibility that he or she can possess supernatural powers such as charismata. This term refers to the supernatural gifts that God gave the Apostles and some members of the early church. It includes such things as miraculous healing, speaking in unstudied foreign languages, prophecy, etc. Although they will not openly admit this, I think that the claim to have those gifts gives them a sense of superiority. "I have something you do not have! I can do something you cannot do! I am speciall, look what God has given me." This of course is a manifestation of sinful pride (I John 2:16).

Some who yearn for charismata are simpletons who have been deceived by the charlatans of the charismatic churches. They are like little children who see the magician do his trick and really believe that he can do magic. They want to be able to do magic like the performer.

An underlying factor is an abysmal ignorance of God's word. They fail to understand the purpose of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. They were given to confirm as true, the message delivered by the apostles and other chosen spokesmen for Christ (Mark 16:20). They have not understood the environment of the first century churches who did not yet have the completed revelation of Christ. The early Christins needed that which the charismata supplied. Now that we have the written Word, in its completeness, the need for that scaffolding does not exist. That is Paul argument in I Corinthians 13:88-13). When the perfect thing comes, that which is in part, i.e., the gifts will be done away.

They have not closely observed those who claim to have the charistmatic gifts. They are no more pure, holy or devoted to Christ than are faithful Christians who do not claim to have them. They same no more souls, do no more good works nor accomplish greater things for Christ than those who simply served Him out of faith, love and gratitude. The greatest of self-proclaimed miracle workers cannot replicate the miracles of the early church.

They overlook the outlandish and shameful claims of many of the charismatic leaders who seem to strive to outdo their neighbors with their tales of what God has or is doing with, to or through them. They are selective in their observation of these folks, seeing only what they want to see and closing their eyes to that which is embarrassing. They also seem to be blinded to the moral failures of man of those claiming the gifts. They never seem to ask would God so bless and use a sinful person?

As to convincing the person who is enamored with the possibility that we can have such gifts, I find it extremely difficult to do so. They evaluate things, not on the basis of what does the Bible says, but how do they feel about it, how exciting is it, or how spectacular are the claims. Our rational, biblical appeal to their intelligence often fails to penetrate the curtain of ignorance and desire that blinds them.

Sincerely,

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