June 13, 1 Corinthians 12
Once upon a time there were two brothers in the same church. Ed was a talented, dynamic speaker who enjoyed being in front of people. His charisma attracted people to listen and agree with his words. Folks called him a natural leader. His brother Don seemed to lack all that Ed possessed. Don was shy and reserved. He seldom initiated a conversation, almost never spoke up in Bible class, and never stood before the congregation to read the Scriptures or lead a prayer. Don’s skills lay in other areas. With quiet patience, he could work through an intricate process that would quickly frustrate his brother. He understood mechanical things that mystified his outspoken sibling. Although he could repair almost anything, Don felt that Ed was the one who got all the talent. Ed felt dumb and inadequate when his mechanical ineptitude once again forced him to call his brother to ask for help.
God’s plan for the body of Christ supplies what both those brothers need. In his wisdom, God designed the body so each member finds both humility and dignity in his God-given role.
Paul told the Corinthians they had always been led. As pagans, they had been led to worship idols that were not gods. Now they called Jesus Lord as they were led to do so by the Holy Spirit. There are no free agents or independent contractors when it comes to membership in the body of Christ. All who are in it were led to it.
Paul said every member of the body has a gift. But the gifts are not all the same, even though they have been given by the same God. The gifts aren’t given for the individual’s benefit, but for the common good of the body. The members are all gifted and enabled by the same power source, who decided what gift each member should receive. Look at the verbs about what God did—he willed, appointed, chose, apportioned, gave, empowered. This is humbling to those who know they’re gifted, and might be tempted to think they’re the power and source of their gift.
It’s both humbling and dignifying to realize our gift was given for the benefit of others. We’re conduits, not just receptacles of God’s blessings. We pass them along to other members of the body. It humbles us to realize we are what we are so others will be blessed. But it also gives dignity and significance to every member to realize God gifted him, and put him exactly where he wanted him for the good of the body.
Equality and unity comes from having a common power source. Our interconnectedness gives us a healthy dependency upon and sympathy with one another. Our diversity brings both responsibility and dignity to our gift and place in the body. It is an ingenious design! Let’s celebrate instead of criticize our various gifts, and cherish our membership in the body of Christ.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—June 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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