By Elimu Assistant Team 
How are spiritual gifts given to the church by the Holy Spirit are abused in the church today
In the realm of Christianity, spiritual gifts are considered divine abilities bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are meant to edify and build up the church, promoting unity and the spread of the Gospel. However, in today’s church, there is a growing concern about the abuse and misuse of spiritual gifts. This essay will delve into some of how these gifts are being abused in the church, leading to negative consequences and hindering the growth and unity of believers.
Seeking Personal Gain:
One of the most prevalent forms of abuse is when individuals use their spiritual gifts for personal gain rather than for the benefit of the church. This can manifest in various ways, such as using gifts of prophecy or healing to manipulate and control others, or using spiritual authority to amass wealth and fame. When spiritual gifts are exploited for personal agenda, it undermines the authenticity and integrity of the church.
Lack of Discernment:
Another way in which spiritual gifts are abused is through a lack of discernment. The church should be a place where the Holy Spirit operates, but without proper discernment, false teachings and practices can creep in. Some individuals may claim to have certain spiritual gifts without genuine evidence, leading to confusion and division among believers. This lack of discernment can cause harm and hinder the growth of the church.
Pride and Self-Exaltation:
Spiritual gifts are meant to be used humbly and with the understanding that they are given by God. However, in some cases, individuals with certain gifts may become prideful and use their gifts to exalt themselves above others in the church. This can create a hierarchical structure within the church, where certain individuals are seen as more important or more spiritual than others. Such pride and self-exaltation go against the principles of love, unity, and servanthood that should be present in the church.
Divisiveness and Competition:
When spiritual gifts are abused, it can lead to divisiveness and competition within the church. Instead of using their gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ, individuals may use them to promote their agendas or to gain power and influence. This creates an unhealthy environment where believers are pitted against each other, causing strife and hindering the work of the Holy Spirit.
Neglecting the Fruit of the Spirit:
While spiritual gifts are important, they should never be elevated above the importance of producing the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of believers. Unfortunately, the abuse of spiritual gifts can lead to a neglect of character development and the cultivation of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When the focus is solely on the manifestation of gifts without the accompanying fruit, the church becomes imbalanced and ineffective in its witness to the world.
