Wherever anything assumes to answer to God's church on earth, there must be free room, not only for gifts, but for diversities of gifts, in the same congregation. Where the gifts are practically shut out and the congregation really looks to one or more individuals only, no matter how gifted, the ground is proved by the first touch of God's Word to be not of Himself. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit (not minister).
Next, as we are told, "There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord." That is, the Lord employs one for one thing and another for another, but it is He who acts in this.
Again, "There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." The church is not a place where man has the smallest title or where there is any room for his will. If God is working there, it is man's place to retire, that God may really work according to His own will. What a character this gives the church of God!
Are these the truths that really fill our hearts? When we enter, say, on each Lord's Day, when we come together on any occasion for edification or worship, do we meet as God's assembly, looking to the Spirit, the Lord God Himself? [29]