1 Corinthians 12
1 Corinthians 12:1-31
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:
2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.
3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,
24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,
25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
While there is a war of the flesh from without, where evil enticements of the world are tempting, there is also vulnerability from within. Those same needs of the flesh to be gratified from the outside are voicing their demands from the very place we’ve been placed in the body of Christ. Observing consideration, comparison, honoring, acknowledging, celebrating, and the use of specific members and their gifts can become a dangerous diversion from the Spirit that is in each of them to the flesh of their vessel. The flesh is continually in need of touching and caressing, and if left on its own, there will be reason for offense, discouragement, and division when there appears to be inequality or lack of appreciation. This is why it is necessary for those who have developed their gifts to give most of their attention to encouraging and building up those who are operating in less prominent and undeveloped roles. Though some may appear to be more valued and special, only one Spirit can get the glory and honor. This requires the inclusion of even the least obvious member. The purpose of every gift is to do this – promote, build up, encourage, and ensure the maturity of every other member to its fullest function. When this becomes about drawing honor rather than giving it, pride diverts the purpose from Spirit to flesh and a fall is imminent. There is no evidence of maturity in a gift that is frustrated with its lack of recognition or utilization. There is also no evidence of maturity in a gift that is providing the identity and security that should only come from the Spirit. This kind of focus reflects that of an adolescent who has yet to understand their true purpose in promoting others. Fulfillment will not come in a gratified lust for “elevated gifting.” True joy in kingdom purpose will come only in faithfulness to that gifting received as it is functioning selflessly in body service. Promoting others and lifting the least is the only legitimate motive of a Spirit-led and directed member that is matured and developed in their gifting. Other longings are not from Him and will be lost completely in the pursuit of Him and His heart.
I like the Passion Translation that says:
“But God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires. A diversity is required, for if the body consisted of one single part, there wouldn’t be a body at all! So now we see that there are many differing parts and functions, but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-20 TPT
Diversity is required to be a part of the body! We need those who don’t look and think like us, and that usually brings complexity to inner workings, but it is a necessary thing. I am thankful we have people gifted to children’s ministry in our church, as it is not my gifting, but without them, our church would not only be missing a body part, but it would be missing an entire ministry avenue!
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