Unity and Diversity in One Body 7-23-25

It is important to understand that one gift is not better than the other regardless of where it fits in the body. And no one is better that the Other; God loves each of us the same (Romans 2:11). All of us are special to God.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.  For in fact the body is not one member but many.

 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?  And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?  If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.  And if they were all one member, where would the body be?  But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.

And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.  And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,  but our presentable parts have no need.

But God composed the body [He, the Potter, designed us so meticulously, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,  that there should be no schism [division] in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?  But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The appointment of apostles and prophets is absolutely necessary as the foundation which the church was built upon, with Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). They are the establishers of the church. The teacher is absolutely necessary; these people are the main ones in helping the body of Christ grow spiritually.

You also see how important all the gifts are! But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. For those you who desire gifts that are noticeable, please desire the more excellent way.

Footnote from the Hebrew Greek Study Bible- The "best gifts" mentioned here are those which are the most useful. The Corinthian believers were desiring gifts that would bring them the most acclaim (praise from others) and prestige among their fellow brothers [sisters]. Instead, Paul urged them to "covet" (earnestly desire) the gifts that would benefit the cause of Christ, not themselves. In 1 Corinthians 13, the gifts must be done in the love of Christ and not for self.

Do you see yourself trying to be seen, noticed and looked up to by others. What about a self-examination?

His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org