The apostle Paul encourages every believer to “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). However, the distribution of spiritual gifts is the prerogative of the Holy Spirit and is “according to His will” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Firstly, a quick word study. The NT Greek word “allos” indicates “another of the same kind”. The NT Greek word “heteros” indicates another of a different kind. For example, “another comforter” is “allos parakletos”, which indicates another of the same kind (John 14:16).
The Apostle Paul chooses these two words to separate the nine listed spiritual gifts into three categories: 2+5+2. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for the profit of all (the common good). For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another (of the same kind) the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another (of a different kind) faith by the same Spirit; to another (of the same kind) the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another (of the same kind) the working of miracles; to another (of the same kind) prophecy; to another (of the same kind) discerning of spirits; to another (of a different kind) divers kinds of tongues; to another (of the same kind) the interpretation of tongues. But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
“There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another (different kind). There is one glory of the sun, another (same kind) glory of the moon, and another (same kind) glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.” (1 Corinthians 15:40-41)
Samuel prophesied over Saul: “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you — literally, rush upon you and suddenly endow you with a capacity to act in a manner far superior to your previous character and habits; and instead of the simplicity, ignorance, and sheepishness of a humble peasant, you will display an energy, wisdom, and magnanimity worthy of a prince.” (Jamieson, Fausett & Brown Commentary)
“Before you know it, the Spirit of God will come on you and you’ll be prophesying right along with them. And you’ll be transformed. You’ll be a new person!” (The Message Bible)
When not anointed, Samson was like any other man. Without the anointing) he would be as [any] other man.” Judges 16:7, 11 (KJV). “Like anyone else.” (The Message Bible)
Likewise, to move from one group of spiritual gifts to another kind, you will need to become “another person” — that is, another kind of person through the anointing of God’s Spirit. As you mature in the Faith, the Lord’s desire is that you cross the gaps between the various categories of spiritual gifts.
“I wish that you all spoke with tongues but rather that you prophesied: for greater is he who prophesies than he who speaks with tongues…” (1 Corinthians 14:5) The “all” in this verse is inclusive – we should all prophesy! But to do so, we need to change into another kind of person – a person of greater faith. This, because “we prophesy according to the proportion of faith”. The only way one who speaks with tongues can prophesy is by moving from a tongues/interpretation kind of person to a prophetic kind of person by crossing the gap between gifts.
Likewise, the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are not reserved for a favoured few. The apostle Paul exhorts all believers to “covet earnestly the best gifts” and lists them in order of importance (1 Corinthians 12:31). Paul’s places wisdom and knowledge at the top of the list and tongues and interpretation at the bottom, with faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and discerning of spirits in between . This is suggestive of a spiritual growth that allows a crossing to take place in between the two gaps.
The distribution of the gifts is without doubt the prerogative of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11). But the Lord sets no limits to the person you can become as you look into the face of Jesus Christ — the “mirror” — and in so doing are changed “from glory to glory” by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18 & 4:6).
I believe that spiritual growth is transitional. We begin with tongues and interpretation of tongues; we continue through the five “power’ gifts; and then grow into wisdom and knowledge. Crossing the gaps is part of our journey to maturity in Christ.
So, onwards and upwards!