Do we have the right to ask for a particular spiritual gift?
No. It is not our prerogative to ask for a particular spiritual gift. The manifestation of the Spirit is given, not asked for; the Holy Spirit divides gifts to each person as He wills. Believers should be content with the gift God has given them.
Les explains that while God has changed operations—from Law to Grace—He remains the same God who works all in all. Regarding spiritual gifts, it is not our prerogative to ask for a particular gift. Instead, the manifestation of the Spirit is given, not asked for, to every man to profit withal. Verse 11 repeats this: the same Spirit divides to every man severally as He wills. So believers take the gift God has given and be content with it.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
More Questions
Why is the manifestation of the Spirit given to every man?
The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.