All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
1 Corinthians 12:11 NIV
In this twelfth chapter of First Corinthians, Paul addressed a topic that the church at Corinth seems to have misunderstood. And is still misunderstood by many today – spiritual gifts. We often look at the specific lists of gifts that Paul mentions in this chapter, trying to figure out which one we might have, and often failing to identify one. But I do not believe giving us a comprehensive list of spiritual gifts was Paul’s intent here.
Instead, Paul is focused on the unity of the body. Not a monolithic body where everyone is the same. But a body that is composed of a great variety of different parts. With each part performing a different, yet important, function within the body. And where the overall health of the body depends on each part of the body functioning properly.
Everyone who is a member of the body of Christ has a part to play. Verse 18 says, “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” God had put you into the body where he wants you to be. And the Holy Spirit has equipped you to serve in that place within the body for the good of the body. So be faithful to the Lord who has called you, placed you within the body, and equipped you to serve there.
