1 Corinthians 12 - 11.4.24

Scripture 

1 Corinthians 12:21-26

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Observation

Paul talks about spiritual gifts and how unity in the Body of Christ is maintained. 

There are many different gifts and as Scripture says, it is the SAME Spirit who distributes them, as HE determines. (Verse 11)

In order for unity to be maintained, we need to have EQUAL concern for one another in the Body. We suffer when one part suffers and rejoice when one part is honored. We also need to honor the parts that are lacking in honor. (Verses 24-26)

Application

Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

The month of November is our month of honor. We must honor others above ourselves, instead of seeking our own recognition. Who can we honor from our church body today?

I want to take the time to honor everyone who participates in an off stage and behind the scenes ministry at DSC. The helpers and teachers in kids church; the sound and multimedia crew; the hospitality and usher ministry; those who do clean up and maintenance at the church; the prayer teams; the SJ crew; everyone who serves at our outreach events and those who write encouraging cards and deliver food and prayer to people; and those who take good care of their own family and household. If I forgot anyone, please forgive me. Please be encouraged by this verse though, that God sees ALL things and good deeds that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. 

“In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.” -1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that we would all be healthy, functioning members of our church family. Please forgive me for the times that I have not been a healthy, functioning member, due to seeking my own recognition and special treatment.  You’ve distributed gifts to each one of us for Your glory alone. Please help us to not be jealous of any other person’s gift or try to compete for recognition, but rather serve and honor our brothers and sisters above ourselves because of love. May we work together for Your glory alone. May we be a church who is known for having a culture of love and honor. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi