Paul uses a metaphor of the human body to express the equal value of all in the church.
Verses 15 and 16 seem geared toward people who don’t think they add value to the church and so disconnect themselves from it. But we should never have this attitude, since feeling this way doesn’t make us any less a part of the body of Christ!
Paul combats this self-defeating, isolating mentality in verse 17. If everyone served the same function or had the same set of strengths, we would lack elements that are vital to the church’s effectiveness. God has crafted and positioned each believer to be used where they are today. (v. 18) Believers are meant to work together, like a body, to accomplish what no single part could to alone. By definition, the church is made up of many diverse kinds of people. (v. 19-20)
On the flip side of the coin presented in verses 15-16, those with more publicly respected strengths and gifting should not look down on or devalue those with less outwardly impressive strengths. (v. 21) But God sees them as vital to the existence of the church, despite the priority we may deny them in our minds.(v.22) We can often have a tendency to praise and compliment those in the church who are in the “spotlight”. But we should look for opportunities to thank and compliment those faithful “behind the scenes” people that serve invisibly. (v.23-24)
God’s design for the church is for us to understand and appreciate the purpose each person serves, being united in our concern for each other, experiencing both pain and happiness together.(v.25-26) Sometimes it’s easy to look at this and see how our churches have failed us. But before stepping into that mentality, we should challenge ourselves. “I’m part of the church as much as anyone. What can I do to value and appreciate others in my church community?”
Although there is meant to be unity in the church, Paul does distinguish three leadership roles: Apostle, Prophet and Teacher, in that order of “rank”. Although one could argue that the gift of “prophecy” is active today (while remembering it is not biblically defined as “predicting the future”), the ROLES of Prophet and Apostle, specifically those of speaking and writing the infallible words of God, no longer exist. Yet the role of Teacher clearly does, and should be given leadership priority over those with other gifts. (v.28)
There is some difference of opinion over what is meant by the “greater gifts” in verse 31. Some conclude that it refers to gifts that most effectively benefit the church community as described by example in 1st Corinthians 14:1-5. Others conclude that the “greater gifts” are those mentioned in 1st Corinthians 12:8-10 and 28. In either case, we’re encouraged to ask God to equip us to serve the needs of the Christian communities we are a part of. And next time we’ll take a look at the best way in which we can utilize our gifts!
Next Week: What is love?
Coffee House Question
How do you think God has gifted you in terms of skills, talents or “spiritual gifts”? How do you think you could engage yourself more in using your unique “wiring” within the church?
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