"The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. " 1 Cor 12:25-26 Message Version

1 Corinthians 12 is one of the most thumbed through sections of my Bible. I have always been fascinated by Paul’s teaching on Spiritual Gifts, and the lack of correct usage in the Churches. Not just the lack of correct usage, but the lack of usage all together! I think Paul puts this section in the middle of his teaching on spiritual gifts because we need to acknowledge that we are in this thing together! We all function in different gifts at different times, but too many of us don’t use our gifts that the Lord has given us. Spiritual Gifts are for edification. Our edification and of the body. We all need edification, and strengthening. If any of us in the church aren’t functioning in the gifts we are meant to, then the body won’t function as we are meant to. When I did my spiritual gifts survey, it helped me see where my strengths are and to focus in those areas.

I love this passage of scripture because it shows how we are a community, a family. Close enough to know that if one of us is struggling, we will know it. Not a bunch of pew sitters who don’t know each other, but friends, brothers and sisters. “If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance”

We need to be a part of the church with our eyes wide open. Being involved in the lives of those around us. Encouraging those who are struggling, spurring one another on towards Love and good deeds. Seeing the gifts in people and fanning the gifts into flame.

Casting Crowns sing,

“If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

Jesus is the way”

Lord show me what it is to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. Help me be an encourager to those in the Body of Christ around me. May Agape Presbyterian and Youth Ablaze be a healthy Body, that reaches out together in unity to this dark world. Anoint us for that task. Amen.

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