I am teaching a class on spiritual gifts. At least that is the topic when we don’t get on a tangent. I love tangents when teaching.
In our discussion of the gifts we come to one of the questions that are asked about gifts and by implication about the entire spiritual life. Are the lists of spiritual gifts set in stone or are they suggestive? On one side you have people who believe that the only spiritual gifts are the ones that are recorded in the lists in Romans, I Corinthians, Ephesians and I Peter. Some would include the reference in Exodus. This position says there are no other gifts. The other side of the argument says that these are just suggestive. There are other gifts. Don’t try to limit God. One of the suggestions that bring this us is music. Is it a gift of the Spirit?
This becomes a general question about Christian living. Some people believe that the only things we are forbidden from doing are those specifically listed in the Bible. A corollary of that is that the only things we are required to do are those listed in the Bible. Others feel that the Christian life is more open to adapting and that we should always be watching for new potential areas for sin or obedience. Later on that point.
Today I want to ask, is whistling a spiritual gift? If you belong to the It-Must-Be-on-the-List crowd, you already have your answer. But think about it. What does it say to people when you come to work with an obvious attitude of joy? Is it just an expression of the fruit of the spirit, joy? I have run mental video of myself as I get out of my car and progress into the building. Sometimes I look like I am wading through 30 weight oil on a winter day. Other days I look like the astronauts walking on the moon. What does that say to others?
And why the difference? Sometimes it is purely physical. End of case. But more often it has to do with how I have spent my morning. When I spend time with the Lord it makes a difference. When I have budgeted time and been in the Word and listening to the Spirit I am different.
I suggest you try it. It is not a charade. It is not faked. Time with the Lord in the morning does something about my attitude and what I radiate. Try it, you might like it.
Is whistling a spiritual gift? I doubt it, but it might reflect my close contact with eternity.
homo unius libri
I wouldn't call whistling a spiritual gift, but we once had a pastor who whistled so beautifully that he was sometimes asked to whistle hymns in church!
ReplyDeleteI hope you joined him by whistling bass.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.