1 Corinthians 12:27-31a
27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31a But strive for the greater gifts.
“… 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? …”
It is clear from Paul’s rhetorical questions at the end of this passage that the answer is “no”. Not everyone has been granted the same gifts. Instead, the Spirit has distributed the various gifts among the members of the community so that the fullness of God’s mission may be accomplished. To paraphrase sage wisdom: It takes a community to do ministry well.
That’s what Paul has been arguing throughout this twelfth chapter. God calls the Church to mission. However, in order for that mission to be accomplished, it requires a variety of skills and talents – e.i., gifts of the Spirit. Thereby, through the Holy Spirit, God pours out in abundance a variety of necessary abilities that, when used in conjunction with others, accomplishes the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. God’s mission is a communal effort.
That is why the Church, in whatever form it takes, is critical to the proclamation of the Good News. People, working together, using their God-given talents, skills, and abilities, fulfill the call of the Lord. Individually, apart, that mission cannot be completed. However, when we join with one another – serving, praying, worshiping, studying, supporting, and interacting with one another – then the Gospel is manifested and the kingdom of God is made known.
Prayer: Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the gifts You have bestowed upon Your people. Remind me this day that your desire is that I use the gifts given me in concert with others and their gifts to accomplish Your work in the world. Amen.