“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father …” says James (James 1:17). It is obvious that God’s gifts are perfect, but we need to be reminded that the mortal channels, through whom they are expressed, are not. Just because a person manifests the gifts does not mean that he is walking closely with the Lord. As the word “gift” implies, the gifts are not earned or retained—even by living a good life. The Book of Romans tells us, “The gifts and calling of God