THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
Are there some in the church with the Spirit, and others without?
Paul stresses here that everyone has been baptized by the Spirit… everyone.
The reason it shows differently in each person is because each person is unique.
I do not need to have the same spiritual manifestations as you.
The problem in the church in Corinth is that they were separating amongst themselves.
Some were looked down on, or excluded, because they did not show the same spiritual gifts.
Do we honour some more than others (like the pastor), and others less (like the custodian)?
Do we celebrate the ones with obvious gifts (musicians, leaders, bold witnesses, big donors)?
Do we frown on those who show up less, do not give as much, do not volunteer as much?
Do we feel less than others, because they do or give more, do we feel like we don’t belong?
Everyone of us is a part of Jesus’ body, as different as we are from each other.
Paul makes it clear that God has made up our church “just as He wanted it to be!” (v.18)
If you feel excluded or undervalued, know that this is NOT how God feels about you.
Your church should value you, because the Spirit is in you too.
Show them how it is done, by honouring others as you would have them honour you!!!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see people as You see them, as gifts from You to us! Help us discover the Spirit’s treasure in all those who are a part of our church!