YOUR GIFT AND PARTICIPATION IS NEEDED IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
SCRIPTURE:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet, I will show you the most excellent way.” (1Corinthians 12:27—31)
OBSERVATION:
Paul’s declared to believers in Corinth who they are. They are the BODY OF CHRIST, and each is a PART of it. Paul uses the body to illustrate how the church body must work in unity for the sake of the body. The strength of unity is not that everyone thinks together, though that is important; the diversity of each member’s role in the church will make the church stronger.
In his letters to the church, Paul often teaches that no one should focus on their own special interests. Everyone should think about the interests of others in the church context. The reason is that we, as individuals, in our private lives, always focus on our own interests. We often do whatever we want, and most things we do are already just for ourselves.
But in the church, everyone must put aside self-interests that do not help build the body and focus on their role as a PART of the body to ensure the body does not lack. In the body of Christ, we prioritize the health of the body. We must serve the role that God has given us to do.
The Apostle Paul listed out what God has placed in the church body;
- First of all, APOSTLE
- Second, PROPHETS
- Third, TEACHERS
- Then, MIRACLES
Then, GIFTS OF
- HEALING
- GUIDANCE
- DIFFERENT KIND OF TONGUES
The idea reflected here is more than the role that we play in the church; it is to strive for unity in our diversity. All of the gifts are necessary for the building up of the body of Christ. It helps to know the way Paul listed the gifts is based on what is necessary to build a healthy body. Those who have the Apostolic, Prophetic, and Teaching gifts serve to give guidance and directions to the body of Christ.
The rest of the gifts are equally needed in the body of Christ, but all gifts have different degrees of responsibilities that make the body healthy. I am reminded that the goal of Paul’s letter is to inform me that my role is no more important than the rest, but I must perform my duties and responsibilities well in order for others to do the same. Paul said we must work in unity, accepting our diversity for the sake of the body.
When all the gifts listed here are in full operation in the church, with every member playing their part and being responsible for their role, the church will be healthier. A healthy body does not need competition against each other but a willingness to serve others who have a different role to play. Unity is in our diversity, and that is only made possible by the Holy Spirit’s work in his church.
APPLICATION:
I must work to fulfill my own responsibility as I serve alongside of other brothers and sisters in the Lord. Today, I am reminded to be faithful in playing my role for the benefit of the body of Christ rather than elevating the importance of my own gift. I want to make room for others to flourish in their giftings as I serve alongside them. I realized today that I should and must never be in competition with anyone else. I must learn to be faithful in serving Jesus and his body at New Hope Tokyo, where he placed me.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for reminding me today that my role is no more important than my other brothers and sisters. You taught me today that every role comes with responsibilities that I must be faithfully attend to. Please teach me to desire a heart that is willing to work with others and make room for their gifts for the betterment of your church. Please teach me humility to allow others to be who they are in their service to your church. Please lead and guide me as I lead your people. Amen!
