First, I wanted you to know I saw your post, AllynLast Friday Allyn wrote:Continuing with this question of what powers Satan has, I am reminded of individuals who have come out of the drug culture and into Christianity who say that they are constantly being bombarded by the darkside. Some seeing demons, others hearing voices and the like. Likewise there are the more charismatic brethren who relate these same type of experiences. On the otherhand there are christians (also true to the faith in Christ) who never experience anything of the sort. We just live quiet lives and go about kingdom work in the way God has gifted each. Why is there this vast polar difference? Why do some have such intense experiences while others never do? Is it because the Holy Spirit is more prevalent in the lives of some more than others or is it for other reasons?
I've asked these same questions myself, as I imagine almost every "serious" (or at least "curious") Christian has.
I've experienced all of the above at different stages in my life and could give illustrations from it. But that would take a lot of time. And I know Steve talks about these kinds of things in different lectures. I'm sure we could cite Scriptural examples. But that would take some time too, lol (I'm just making a "quick post" to get back to yours)....
As far as people who came from the drug culture and/or who are more "charismatic" goes: I would say that these kinds of people are probably more "open" (and perhaps much more so?) to the spiritual realm and, consequently, the battles that happen in it -- they have been there. Former drug abusers are also more open to "excess" as conservative (or reserved) people don't do drugs. "Charismatic" people could be called "excessive" too in that they really get involved in gifts that are emotionally charged -- as compared to conservative or more reserved Christians who aren't used in the more dynamic gifts.
To give Scriptural answers, this text is a good one. Paul tells us that God has placed gifts in the church; they are there by His doing. Yet Paul says all should be eager for or earnestly desire the greater gifts. What the greater gifts are is undefined. Did he mean the more "charismatic" or dynamic ones? Or would the greater gifts simply be the ones that are needed at any given time? At any rate, someone who prophesies is being more dynamic than, say, an administrator or custodian (gifts of helps and administration).NET Bible, 1 Corinthians 12 wrote:27 Now you are Christ’s body, and each of you is a member of it.
28 And God has placed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helps, gifts of leadership, different kinds of tongues.
29 Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are they? Not all perform miracles, do they?
30 Not all have gifts of healing, do they? Not all speak in tongues, do they? Not all interpret, do they?7
31 But you should be eager for ("covet earnestly" KJV) the greater gifts. And now I will show you a way that is beyond comparison (Gk “a still more excellent way”).
In one lecture Steve says he has never been used in the "vocal gifts" (prophesy, tongues, or the (successive) interpretation of tongues). His gift is that of a Bible teacher (listed above). If I remember it right, Steve simply feels that he has sought, found, and does the gift God intended for him and doesn't really know why he has never prophesied, etc., other than that those gifts haven't been what God intended (or presently intends) for him.
This text doesn't totally answer the question about why some people aren't as "charismatic" or seemingly as "spiritual" as others. Rather, it seems to put the question right back at us! "What are you seeking?" ...while still saying God has a place for the less dynamic gifts in the church. In a way, it seems as if Paul could be saying, "If you are the church's janitor; don't limit yourself to that position" (?). Or might he be saying, "Don't be shy!" (?)....
Just some random thoughts: Thanks,
Rick