Gifts are Meant to Produce Oneness: Purpose and Interdependence Part III

When you look at Paul’s lengthiest treatise on spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14), it’s striking how often he uses words like “one” and “body”. “One” is used 27 times in just these three chapters and “body” appears 18 times.  In fact, “body” appears 30 times in this first letter to Corinth—the largest number by almost three times than any other book of the Bible, and more than half of those are in these chapters on how to use our different-but-equal gifts.

After reminding us that we need to be informed about our spiritual gifts, Paul acknowledges the diversity of gifts—but is certain to root that diversity in the “same Spirit”, the “same Lord”, the “same God.” As the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One, so we are to mirror that oneness in our believing communities. Different gifts, different roles, one whole.

The analogy is that of a body. Your body is one whole, made up of countless parts.  Each part essential. Each part doing what it was designed to do. Each one contributing what only it can. No part more or less important than another. Many = one. Equal in value. Equally necessary.

Lest we miss his point, Paul draws the picture not just of any body, but of the body of Christ:  “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

He goes on to say that our use of gifts, our life in the Body is to be marked by love first and foremost—by putting others first, by patience, humility, honor for another, providing protection, being hopeful, and enduring. According to Paul (echoing Jesus): “Love Is Indispensable.”

And, just how do we do this impossible thing?  Note how often Paul mentions “Spirit” in these same chapters.  Spirit (not counting lowercase “spirit” references) appears 17 times.  God is the one Who, through His Holy Spirit, enables us to know our gifts, use our gifts, live in unity with other believers, and love one another well. “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

See 1 Corinthians 12-14.)

Reflect:

·       How do we live as “one body” in our believing communities?

·       How can you guard against giving some spiritual gifts celebrity status and others lesser importance?

·       Knowing that God is the one who determines what gifts you have, how can you embrace your gifts and use them as He desires, in His power?

 (For more on gifts, check out the Resources page at GodGiftsYou.com. Take the free assessment and see what gifts God has bestowed on you to contribute to the whole.)

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and leaders in a diversity of fields for over 30 years. She has also been EquipConnectServe Director at her 1,200 member church since 1999.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.