Gifted (3)
2021-01-231 Corinthians 12:14 NIV
A couple of days ago, we read that ‘the Spirit decides what to give each person’ (v.11 NCV). As well as recognising our own gifts, we should try to recognise gifts in others too. Here are three things we need to remember:
1) We are different from each other. ‘A body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body’ (v.12 NIV). There are different gifts because there are different needs. If we all had all the spiritual gifts, we’d soon lose focus and be overwhelmed by everything we felt we should be doing. Having different gifts means we can know where we fit in and stay focused on our God-given assignment.
2) We are dependent on each other. It takes every part working together to have a healthy body that will function properly. Paul writes: ‘The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”‘ (v.21 NIV). Every part of the body is equally needed and equally important. It’s the same in the body of Christ. Some of us are verbal and some of us are quiet. Some are laid back and some are dynamic. Some prefer to lead and some prefer to follow. Some are introverts and some are extroverts. But all of us are equally needed and equally important.
3) We are to be devoted to each other. ‘God has put the body together…so that there should be no division…but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it’ (v.24-27 NIVUK).