Daily Devotion, June 7, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-27.

The apostle Paul writes beautifully of his image of the church in that we are all parts of the body of Christ. Paul is helping the new Jewish Christians and the new Gentile Christians to get along. Sometimes their perceived differences kept them from functioning at their best to carry out Christ’s mission for the church. He’s calling them to work together!

Paul reminds them that they are all many parts, but that they are ONE body, by their baptism and by the gift of God’s Spirit. Their different spiritual gifts are for a common purpose in helping each other grow in Christ while being in ministry unto the entire world.

Paul wants them to realize that one part of the body is not more important than any other part. Eugene Peterson in The Message version translates verses 19-20 this way: “But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of.”

Also, in the body some of the most vital parts such as the heart and the brain are not visible. Paul writes that in the life of a church or congregation; there are many vital functions shared and given by individuals “behind the scenes.”

For example, there is so much which occurs “behind the scenes” to make a worship service possible! Many people give of their talents, time and gifts to offer opportunities for us to gather in-person or to be able to participate on-line to offer our worship unto God. Other examples include “behind the scenes” gifts of service which can be found in our Children’s and Youth ministries, Mission endeavors, and Building maintenance!

Personal Worship Option:

Choose one area and see how many “behind the scenes” gifts and talents it takes for this area of ministry or building maintenance to be possible! This can even include the song composers from many years ago, our media team today, the authors of the literature for our small groups, or gifts to maintain our building, vans and grounds! The list can be endless! Each person’s part is important! Give God thanks for each person and their gift.

Paul concludes this chapter with, “And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” We will read about this more excellent way in I Corinthians 13 tomorrow!