Christ’s church is outwardly diverse by design. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, makes this abundantly clear. The Spirit of God inspired Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, stating that the body of Christ is made up of Jews and Greeks, slaves and free, for example.
The church is also spiritually diverse in its gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4, Paul states that there are various gifts and forms of service, yet one Spirit and one Lord work through these different gifts. Why are these gifts given to us? They are provided so that we may help one another. They are not for our benefit (1 Corinthians 12:7). Who determines who receives which gifts? Paul explains that God alone decides which gift each person will receive (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Have you ever noticed that we tend to want what others have and think little of our blessings? Comparing ourselves among ourselves? For example, someone with straight hair wants curly hair, and vice versa. Feeling discontent or ungrateful is part of our old nature, which will often fixate on the spiritual gifts we don’t have — particularly glorifying the more honorable than helpful ones. Thinking about how we would serve God with gifts we don’t have is selfish and vain, but such a temptation.
Paul then switches gears and writes chapter 13, describing the best pursuit in life: love. It is not about fixating on the gifts we don’t have but rather enriching our God-given gifts with love. Without love, all gifts mean little to nothing. It is also not “love” over gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). Love-enriched gifts create great harmony in the church, strengthening and helping the church.
Do you wish you were more outgoing? Maybe God has you in the background for a reason. Maybe your gift is more prominent, but you are trying to hide it; that is not right either. Remember my illustration of straight vs. curly hair: if you have straight hair, add love to it. If you have curly hair, add love to it. In other words, add love to the gifts you have been given, and be thankful unto God, who wisely gave them. In this, Jesus Christ will be glorified in His church.
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible. This devotional reflection is on 1 Corinthians 12-14:40.