1 Corinthians – Chapter 12

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 – Paul uses this part of the letter to break down the different gifts within the church that the Lord gives. From healing, tongues, to wisdom, all were given to the church for the benefit of the church. Yet, what Paul was seeing was that such gifts that were designed to unify the church was actually dividing the church in Corinth. Some said because they had certain gifts they were better than others in the church. Some felt that only certain gifts were needed in the church and the others were pointless. Some looked down on themselves as worthless to the church because they didn’t possess the glamorous gifts. The result of all this combination of beliefs led to schisms in the church. Paul’s aim then was to remind them of the truth. The gifts were given to the church to draw the church together. Each person is unique in the body and has unique roles within the body, but all are needed to make the body function properly. How this applies to us today is the same way Paul’s message was to be applied to the church in Corinth. Each believer in Jesus is a part of the body of Christ. Each part of the body is essential and has a unique role to fulfill in the body. While some believers have roles that are more visible and “glamorous” in the world’s eyes, the believers gifted to fulfill roles no one will ever see are just as important to the body. We need each other and we need the unique giftings God has given each person in the body. Welcome then the brother or sister that is different than you for their gifting may be exactly what you need in the church. We are one body under Christ called to use everything we’ve been given for Him and to unify the body. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3119

If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. (v.15) As a church family, we need to do a better job of holding each other together and connected with the church family. Too often we see people come and go from our churches without the body stepping into their story to see why they aren’t connected anymore. If God brought them to our family, the reason why is because they have a gift and talent that is needed in our body to stay healthy. If the reason they have stepped away is because God has called them elsewhere, that’s a whole another story and God will honor that move for us and them. That though I feel is not the case as to why many people stop coming to church. Could be needing to get priorities straight, sin in check, or devotion reset; whatever the reason is, we who are the body of Christ have a calling to encourage the staying together of those who are disconnecting themselves from us. We need them and they need us. We can’t move without our feet and can’t serve without our hands. We’ll be in this constant compromising and unnecessary struggle to stay healthy if we allow parts of our body to walk away. Let’s do our best to help every part know they are essential to our growth and valued become compare. Family takes work, but in the end it’s always better to have everyone fellowshipping together and serving in the ways we each are called to. That’s the church family that God longs for us to have. – Daily DEVO 15

To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7 – What you were given was not meant for your own good alone. This passage is speaking of the blessing of the spiritual gifts inside the church. We see that God gives us these gifts to help us grow in our faith, but to also be used to help the church grow. This is where that phrase “common good” comes in. It’s tempting to use something like a gift of yours to achieve some personal goal like popularity or power. God though gave us His Spirit so we can help others around us, not to use others to reach our selfish goals. While even I am still learning all the importance of knowing your spiritual gifts and how they fit into your walk with God, one thing is for certain here about them. The gifts God blesses you with are meant to help more than just you. Use them accordingly. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 714

You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 1 Corinthians 12:2 – “However you were led.” We are all not led away the same. Our enemy is clever in how he deceives and guides us away from following Jesus. For some he uses people, for others he uses circumstances, for others he uses destructive mindsets. How we are led away differs for sure, but what we see is the end destination is the same. Lifeless, mute idols. Know the temptations can be exciting and captivating but recognize where they led. To nothing. You are being led to things that can’t help you, hear you, or do anything for you. It’s literally a dead end. Dwell then on the end destination when the temptations are present. They may seem so desirable but where they lead is nothing you want. Jesus though has all you need and want and is able to breathe life into your situation because He Himself is alive. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1779