Reading: I Cor. 12:3b-13

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Reflection

Think about this: An eyeless body can cope, but a bodyless eye cannot.

You can get along in life without eyes. You will need to make adjustments, rely on other senses, and depend on friends and or perhaps a seeing-eye dog for extra help. You can manage, though you will still miss the visual part of our world.

Think again then: an eyeless body can cope, but a bodyless eye cannot. Eyes detached from a body are lifeless and do not function or serve their purpose. Eyes need a body to bring them blood and receive nerve impulses.

The beginning of our reading is more about spiritual gifts. It is the last couple verses that discuss one body with many members (parts). Still, the whole chapter together reminds us of our many and varied gifts; our many and varied purposes. Every part makes a significant contribution to the whole. When a gift or a part is missing, the whole is lacking something. Likewise, a gift or a part all by itself cannot function to its fullest.

Now think about Paul’s list of spiritual gifts. Which are prominent in your church? Which are overlooked? How do you fit in? How does everyone fit in?

–Ruth Gates

Prayer

Koinonia God,

We thank you that you do not choose only a handful of people or make us all the same, but call us all together, many, varied, and diverse, to do your will, to serve your kingdom, and to carry your ministry into the world. Help us to know what it is you have called each of us to do, and help us to encourage others as they pursue their vocations.

Amen.