Spiritual Gifts FAQ’s #2
Q: What is the church supposed to be like, according to Scripture?
A: In 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, the terms “love, unity, gifts, Spirit, body, one“ occur a whopping 69 times (by my count). In just verses 7-11, we see “Spirit” mentioned 7 times. In verses 12 – 27 alone, we see “body” mentioned 17 times.
This chapter’s focus is on describing the Church as an organic whole (not an organization or an institution)—the church as the Body of Christ—with Jesus as the Head. We read that there is ONE Spirit, ONE God, but a diversity of gifts—meaning a diversity of parts/roles for each of us. This passage and others about gifts emphasize our interconnectedness—like body parts interconnecting—we are joined together on purpose—to accomplish God’s purposes.
God’s design for His church is that we live interdependently (not independently), as essential parts of a living organism. All belong. All are indispensable. Everyone’s place in the body of Christ is to be equal to everyone else’s and to be honored. No celebrity culture welcome.
The whole concept of the church as the Body of Christ is meant to also remind us that we need to remain connected to Jesus…to abide in Him…to find our identity in Him. Instead of defining ourselves by our talents and accomplishments, we define ourselves by what He says about who we are…and that’s always in the context of our relationship to Him.
Reflect:
· What is challenging to you about the concept of interdependence?
· What do you bring to the church—the Body of Christ? Another way of asking this is: What gifts has God bestowed upon you to give back to His church as you faithfully engage?
For more on this, read What Part of the Body of Christ are You?
(For more on gifts, check out the Resources page at GodGiftsYou.com. Take the free assessment and see what gifts God has given 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 (c) Shirley Giles Davis, all rights reserved.