1 Corinthians 11-14

November 30

1 Corinthians 11-14

God gives His people various gifts. Some seem more “spiritual” while others seem more mundane, but they are all important to the growth and function of the Body of Christ. People look at the gifts others have and wish they had the same gifts. It is easy to think someone else has a better gift or a more important gift. When we begin to envy or desire what others have, we lose focus on what God has given us. Sometimes we look at our own gifts as more important than that of others, especially if we have a gift that gives us leadership positions. That is like the eye saying to the hand; “I don’t need you.”

God gives us different gifts so we can function stronger as a unit working together rather than as individuals each doing our own thing. When we take our gift and use if for the benefit of the entire Body for the benefit of others instead of for our own benefit, God’s Kingdom grows in size and in strength. Each of the gifts, operating on their own, can accomplish tasks in that area, but when various gifts come together, their power and abilities grow exponentially. Then when we add love to the equation, the sky is the limit.

God did not create us to live in a vacuum. He created us to live in community. He gives us gifts to be shared with that community. When we begin to spotlight different gifts, especially the gifts that could draw attention to the person instead of the Giver of the gifts, we distort the Body and cripple the Body of Christ. When we work together, God can transform our world using us as we use the gifts He has given us as His people.