Let us look at some limitations to these gifts in operation. The teaching office has the tendency to become dogmatic on the long run. When not exposed to other gifts and streams of knowledge, it can dry up and just become life-less principles of truth. No one was meant to function alone. They do not carry the fullness of Christ in any one gift.

The pastoral office tends to be a non-threatening, anything goes type of office. As the pastor tends to care for a wolf in sheep’s clothing as a sheep. Wolves are not easily recognized and can be very devastating before things are put right.

The evangelist tends to be excited with the crowd and anything is allowed as long as they are healed and they are gathering. When evangelists head up churches, many Simons get involved with out being identified. I pray that many will value team leadership and allow other gifts to build the body as well.

The prophetic office has loads of problems. They can be spooky, become isolated and loose connection with the real world we live in. Elijah had a me-alone syndrome. They can see demons in everything and sometimes see the future without knowing how to navigate into it. I pray prophets will allow the wisdom of apostles to help them bring balance to what they see in the spirit.

The Apostles tend not to know their boundaries. The governmental grace in that office tends to see what can be done to help others and sometimes they are not appreciated for trying to help. If their grace is not recognized and sought after, it can produce confusion. Paul knew his 'metron' (Greek) in 2 Corinthians 10:12-15. He knew his limits. Where there is recognition, acceptance and willingness to change, the apostolic office can function. Where these are not there the office is limited. It is a foundation laying grace and cannot be built on other labours. Like the prophetic office, it tends to need to root out, pull down and destroy before it can build and plant.

All offices are also limited by the limitation of the make-up of the person who functions in that office. Personality traits are an important aspect of the operation in the office. Where these traits are not seriously under the influence and power of the Lord, they tend to act as limitations to how the offices can operate. We all need prayers to do the will of God.

As every one identifies their place, and humbly takes it with a right heart and attitude, we will be willing to launch out into new areas of operations and be bolder as a Body.

There is a very strong tendency to conform to the expectations of the general Body at its present level of understanding. There is safety in this but as we mature and have understood how to function given our peculiar make up, it may become necessary to slowly venture into new areas. Changes are bound to happen if we are to keep growing. May the Lord help us to keep growing until we all come to the fullness of the stature of Christ. Some how the shortcomings of others seem to be the training ground for my maturity and yours as we allow the Word to dictate our response to others’ failings. We hurt with those who hurt and rejoice with those who rejoice thereby growing together in pain and victory. Only the wisdom of God can fathom such. Their needs activate my gifts, grace and growth. Mine does the same for them too. Their challenges stir up my faith as I long to see God's power work in them. Their joy and testimony gives a double assurance that our common faith in God is sure and I will soon be experiencing a testimony like theirs. My involvement is the key to my fulfillment. I need to be involved so my gift can bring the necessary dimension that it should bring to others’ lives.

My involvement will also cause other dimensions in me to be activated for more effectiveness. To God be all the glory for the things He has planned for our fulfillment in life.

Rev Kola Ewuosho