Episode 166: 1 Corinthians 12

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 12

I know that no one who speaks by the Spirit of God would ever curse Jesus, and no one would say that Jesus is Lord, unless the Holy Spirit is speaking through him.

Although there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, there is one Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. And he continues to distribute many different varieties of gifts. Just as there are different kinds of service, but we all serve the same Lord. The same God distributes different kinds of miracles that accomplish different results through each believer's gift and ministry as he energizes and activates them. I am given continuous revelation by the Holy Spirit to benefit not just myself, but all. In this way, we can help one another. 

There are three gifts that reveal something: The word of wisdom which reveals things in the future; the word of knowledge which reveals certain facts of the past or present; and the discernment of spirits, or the ability to see into the spiritual realm. 

There are three gifts that say something: the gift of tongues in an unknown language; the interpretation of tongues; and the gift of prophecy or revelation from God to build up the members of the church. 

And there are three gifts that do something: The gift of faith beyond what we can believe for; gifts of healings of all kinds of diseases; and the gift of miracles to do what isn't possible in the natural realm.  

It is the one and only Spirit of God who distributes, activates and operates these different gifts as he chooses for each believer. He alone decides which gift I should have.

Just as the human body has many parts that make up one whole body, so it is with the body of Christ. For by one Spirit we all were immersed and mingled into one single body. No matter what our status -- Jew or non-Jew, oppressed or free -- we are all privileged to drink deeply of the same Holy Spirit. 

So, it would be silly for me to think that I'm not a part of the body of Christ, just because I don't have a particular gift. The foot isn't any less a part of the body than the hand. It is still a vital part of the body. And the ear isn't any less a part of the body than the eye. It is still an important part of the body. If we all were the same, how could the body of Christ function? 

But God has carefully designed me and placed me in the body to function as he desires. He has put me just where he wants me in order to benefit his body. Diversity is required. Even if I may seem to be less significant, or less important than other members of the church, I still have an important part to play in God's plan. In fact, some of the least seen, hidden jobs, are actually more vital and essential in the grand scheme of things.

As a Christian, I will always strive to promote harmony, and care for others. If one suffers, I suffer. If one is honored, I rejoice. I treat each member with respect. Each of us -- together -- are Christ's body. And I am a unique and vital part of the whole. 

God has appointed apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, healers, helpers, leaders, and those who speak in unknown languages. And while some people may have more than one of these assignments, no one has all of them. Yet, all of them are necessary.

The important thing is that I earnestly desire -- and boil over with passion -- in seeking the higher gifts, and that I fulfill the purpose Holy Spirit assigns me. 

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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