I Corinthians 12:12-31

 I Corinthians 12:12-31

It is worth remembering that the fractured nature of the Corinthian church had damaged and infected almost all, if not all, aspect of the church’s life.  The pride and egoism was manifested in the use and abuse of their spiritual giftedness.  Paul here continues his war against division but this time on the battlefront of spiritual gifts.

It is impossible for the one and only Holy Spirit to give gifts that create division even if these gifts differ from each other.  The commonality and singleness of the Spirit who gives the gifts makes their fractious use a monstrosity.    In fact the giving of diverse gifts is a specific and intentional act of God to fulfill His agenda.  To denigrate a brother or sister because of their role or gift is to question the wisdom of God and indeed to bring an accusation against Him.  It appears that this never occurred to the Corinthians because they were so obsessed with themselves they could perceive no one else.  

God designed into His giving of gifts an essential interdependence.  Paul uses the parable or the metaphor of the human body to illustrate this point.  In the body those parts that gain lots of attention are no more important than those parts we never notice.  We may say, “She has a lovely face”, but never, “She has a lovely colon”.  But without the latter the former is doomed.  It is immensely important to note that in v 24 we see, “God has so composed the body…” Functionally, emotional and spiritual unity is God ordained and engineered.  If there are divisions and schisms it is no small thing.

At a practical level Paul shows us in verses 25-26, at least in a beginning sort of way, how we can participate in this unity.  When one member suffers we all share in that suffering.  That means the suffering inflicted by my self serving arrogance ought to cause me as much anguish as it causes others.  If that were actually the case I would stop.  We take this as a vague generality, but we need to take this as a vivid personal experience.  We also rejoice authentically when others are glorified or honored.  Not in feigned support but in authentic joy.  But how is it possible to wrap our minds around this way of relating?  Recognize that gifts are not expressions of the individual person, but of God’s goodness shown toward me.  God has given you gifts because He loves and wants to bless me. I can’t be jealous of that.  

“Lord, help me to use all You have given to me in service to the church, and never for my own advancement. AMEN”