The purpose of the gifts of the Spirit

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
I imagine the church at Corinth was a young, vibrant fellowship. But being young in Christ, there were still aspects about their faith that were immature. The gifts of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on them, through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but they were emphasising one gift over others – that of speaking in tongues. (We’ll touch more on this tomorrow.)
This raises a question: what, exactly, is the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit? In several places in Scripture we find lists of examples, none of them complete (as Paul says, there are different kinds of gifts, 1 Cor. 12:4). Included are things like speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and so forth. We tend to look out for the more visible ones like miracles and healing. Essentially, we like a show. But that’s not what the gifts of the Spirit are for. Paul tells us here, the manifestation (or gifts) of the Spirit is given “for the common good”. They are not given for our own kicks, but to edify one another in the body of Christ. Again, Paul says, “So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church” (1 Cor. 14:12). This is the real purpose of the gifts of the Spirit. As someone once said, the purpose of the gifts of the spirit is like the steam in a locomotive. Its purpose is to drive the engine, not to blow the whistle. Whatever gift you have been given by the Holy Spirit, use it for the common good - to edify others.