1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12 reminds me of “Dem Bones”, the song about “the foot bone connected to the leg bone”. Though not anatomically accurate, the idea that our body is made up of many parts, all connected together is true. We are also more than just bone and muscle; we are also Mind and Spirit. Today’s lesson is a reminder that for the body to be healthy, all parts need to function together. Paul explains that he is going to instruct them “about the gifts of the Spirit”. He notes that there is a lot of misinformation about how God’s Holy Spirit ministers among these former pagans. He begins with an overview: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” There are also “different kinds of service, but the same Lord” and “different kinds of working… but in all of them… it is the same God at work.” Paul adds one very important point that applies to everything he will discuss: “Each manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” That means each of the gifts is given to be shared. Paul then lists examples. It is implied that if we receive “a message of wisdom… a message of knowledge… faith… gifts of healing”; they are for someone else. We seldom know when someone is struggling. More often than not, we do not know how to help. In those times, a word, a touch or an act of simple compassion can change a person’s world. Paul’s list of manifestations of the Spirit continues. These gifts are distributed liberally. Paul notes each one is given “to another” as he lists: miraculous powers… prophecy… distinguishing between spirits… speaking in different kinds of tongues, and… the interpretation of tongues.” Sadly, some have been abused these gifts for selfish gain. One validation test we should all use is the certainty that God’s Word and God’s Spirit are always in agreement. Paul notes that all are the work of One Spirit: “He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.” God gives good gifts in order to bless, heal, and unify all of mankind. Paul then draws an analogy between the human body and the body of believers that we call the church. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts… so it is with Christ… For we were all baptized by one Spirit.” Next, Paul accurately describes the jealousies that can divide. How silly for the foot to say: “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body” or for an ear to say: “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body.” His point is that every part is necessary: “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?” He reiterates: “there are many parts, but one body.” When we engage in conversation we look primarily at the face and eyes. That does not mean the eye can say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” He explains that certain “parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” He concludes: “there should be no division in the body… If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” Addressing those that feel underappreciated, perhaps on the fringe, Paul says “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” With that understanding, each of us should fulfill our part with joy. Paul closes the chapter by defining some God-given roles for the church: “first… apostles, second prophets, third teachers.” Paul then lists specific miracles: “gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.” Paul askes some simple questions: “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?” The answer is, of course, no. Each of us are uniquely gifted and perhaps most importantly, we are connected by the most excellent gift, which is love. Paul knows that all “Dem Bones” are useless unless they are connected. My friend, anyone that focuses on dividing the body is not acting in love.