“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…
“The body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part… If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing?.. God arranged the members in the body as he chose… There are many parts, yet one body.
“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the parts that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor… God has so composed the body… that there be no division.., but that the members may have the same care for one another.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7,14-15,17-18,20-25
Paul’s words to this floundering church were aimed at turning them from distracting, corrupting influences and unifying their varied ideas and efforts in a united cause. If they knew Jesus as Lord, they were an integral part of the Body for common good. It was not theirs to belittle their own contribution nor demean another’s. Each was vital to the healthy functioning of the church body and they were responsible for exercising their God-arranged, Spirit-apportioned gifts with mutual care, in His power.
Much is publicized and promoted today about finding our sweet spot and doing what we love. Indeed, in both secular and church life we’ve been endowed by God with certain gifts for service and activity that benefit all. That is the key: are we driven by the common good, or only our own pursuits or success? When we act in a selfish vacuum, our efforts do nothing to upbuild the church and open the door to arrogant superiority or self-deprecation, and fickle provincialism. Lacking a broader vision and consumed with ego and performance, we both push forward and retreat at emotional whim and fancy with no concern for kingdom purpose.
But God has created us for Himself and each other. He intends we exercise our gifts by His Spirit, in love, for the ministry and proclamation of Christ in His Body and world. He appoints and anoints, placing us in time and place to know Him and make Him known. Are we indispensable to His Body? Yes! Is our role honorable in His eyes? Yes! (Esther 4:14; Isaiah 43:7; Acts 17:24-28; 1 Corinthians 13:1-2)
How well do I know, accept, and utilize my God-given gifts for the church? How well do I accept and encourage others’ gifts? Do I perform out of duty, or in a spirit of love? Do my attitudes and interactions indicate dignity and honor, or disparaging and haughtiness? What can I practically change in order to manifest the Spirit with effectiveness and grace, and so build unity that glorifies God? (1 Corinthians 13:4-5; Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Lord, mold me into a flourishing Body member who serves, upbuilds, and unifies Your church with Christ-like love and honor.
As the rain and snow 