Isaiah 5-8: Hear and Don't Understand, See and Don't Apprehend

Isaiah 6:9

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁹ And He said, Go and tell this people, Hear and hear continually, but understand not; and see and see continually, but do not apprehend with your mind.

This verse jumped out out me while reading because I was already meditating on how God's perfect spiritual gifts can become imperfect when used by men/women. 

Thinking about the times when the Lord whispers a word to my heart, understanding it and following through with it, convinces me that God does bestow revelatory gifts for ministry.  BUT I also think about the times when I heard and did not understand.

The longer I hang out with spirit-filled Christians, the more I realize that this is true with all people no matter how powerful and accurate the gift, it still flows through men and women who are inevitably influenced by the earthly realm.

I also think about the damage that can be done when mere man is placed on a pedestal for the gifts that God has given.  Honor, yes, absolutely.  Worship, no way!  

We are on a level playing field with each other, and the One we worship is God and God alone!

Acts 10:34-35

Amplified Bible (AMP)

³⁴ And Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons,

³⁵ But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly, is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed [by Him].

My heart is realizing more and more how important it is to build our spiritual gifts on love's foundation.  We need to remember that our goal is to encourage each other using our gifts to assist others in their walk with the Lord.  

Yet, even with the root of love guiding us, there will still be misunderstandings. 

1 Corinthians 13:12

Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹² For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]. 

Holy Spirit, I am so thankful for the ability to hear and see spiritually, but also am acutely aware that I am not perfect, neither is any other man perfect in hearing and seeing You!  Pour out Your fierce love on us.  As we use Your gifts in service of others let us all draw on this love as we interact with each other.  In Jesus' name, AMEN!