In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gives “just as He wills.” So why do we divide ourselves over spiritual gifts?
Scripture:
Job, chapters 37-38; 1 Corinthians, chapter 12
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (CEB):
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
Observations: The Spirit Makes Us One
In John 17:21, Jesus prays that his followers will be one, just as He and the Father are one. So why do we keep trying to find ways to divide ourselves? In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the example of a human body to demonstrate God’s plan for the unity of His Church. The body has many parts, but all those parts together make up one body. Our bodies are not just one big eye, or one big ear; we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NIV). God clearly wants the Church to reflect that unity in diversity.
Now, “diversity” in God’s Church can never include behaviors or attitude that God has deemed sinful. As I reflected earlier this year, sin separates us from God (“The Harsh Reality: How Sin Separates Us from God”). We may not like to hear it, but it’s true. God is holy, and He calls us to be holy. That’s why the diversity that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12 is grounded in the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the One who distributes to each one individually just as He wills.
And we have to remember that these gifts – the manifestation of the Spirit – are given for the common good. Look at the gifts Paul mentions:
- Word of wisdom (v 8)
- Word of knowledge (v 8)
- Faith (v 9)
- Gifts of healing (v 9)
- Miracles (v 10)
- Prophecy (v 10)
- Distinguishing of spirits (v 10)
- Various kinds of tongues (v 10)
- Interpretation of tongues (v 10)
How many times have we allowed these different gifts to divide us, rather than recognizing them as gifts that the Spirit has given to the whole Church?
Application: The Spirit Makes Us One, So Why Do We Divide Ourselves?
At the end of chapter 12, Paul also states that God has appointed different ministry roles within the body. “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28). We are not all the same; we do not all have the same gifts, calling, or passions for ministry. But we are all to use the gifts and passions that God has given us for the common good.
Just so we don’t miss his point, Paul goes on to remind us that not everybody is an apostle, prophet, teacher, miracle-worker, or healer. “All do not speak in tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:30-31, emphasis added). The answer is clearly “No” – not everyone has the same gifts. And because the Spirit gives those gifts just as He wills, we should never allow those gifts to divide us. The presence of one gift instead of another cannot be a reflection of spiritual superiority, since they are gifts, not achievements.
We have spent too much time and effort trying to distinguish ourselves from each other, rather than demonstrating the distinction between followers of Jesus and those who are not. And we must also remember that the reason for demonstrating that disciples are different is to show people that following Jesus is better – He gives a peace that the world cannot give and does not understand! (Philippians 4:7)
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the peace that comes from knowing you. Forgive us for seeking to distinguish ourselves from other disciples based on gifts that come from the Spirit – that He gives just as He wills. And, as Paul indicates at the end of chapter 12, there is a far better way – the way of love. Instead of fixating on the gifts of the Spirit, help us to strive to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Bring forth that fruit in us, we pray. Amen.
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