You know...as we walk out a spirit filled life, we have to learn discernment. I am sure that the first sermon you preached was not as flowing and polished as ones you preach now. You were learning to hear from God, to discern his direction. You were learning how to rely on His leading, how to know what to include and exclude, how to keep your personal thoughts out and preach His message, not yours.
I believe it is the same for the gifts of the spirit. The Bible tells us that while we are on the earth, "we see through the glass darkly". We are still human. We still deal with our flesh. But to say that I will not allow myself to be used by God until I know that I will be perfect, would preclude any of us ever stepping out in faith.
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What an extremely fitting and wonderful analogy.
It has always amazed me how few have been able/willing to see the truth of it in countless past dialogues.
Unfortunately, some people, instead of being humbled by God working through them, somehow feel a sense of pride. I think that tends to make others feel that those whom God has used are somehow holier than they. This inherently produces defensiveness and a critical view that is extremely counterproductive. It is paramount that leadership educate the congregation on what the gifts are and aren't...and those whom God is using also remember that he has also spoken through a bush and a donkey.