1 Corinthians 12 -- Perfectly Made As God Intended

The Corinthians had decided there was superstar status Christians could achieve based on spiritual gifts, particularly when one was able to speak a foreign language he’d never studied or if he could understand the same.  It was beginning to sound like a two-class society, and those without that gift were feeling left out and insignificant.

Paul went through a list of spiritual gifts, listing the language gifts last.  He wanted them to see that God had instituted a diversity of gifts for a reason, and any longing or desire for a gift we hadn’t been given really amounted to coveting, which is sin.

Verse 18 seemed to get to the heart of the matter, and about it, my commentary said, “In His matchless wisdom, God has arranged the different members … in the body just as He please.  We should give Him credit for knowing what He is doing.  We should be profoundly grateful for whatever gift He has given us and joyfully use it for His glory and for building up others.  To be envious of someone else’s gift is sin.  It is rebellion against God’s perfect plan for our lives.”

Father, I do not have many of the gifts Paul mentioned here.  But I’ve come to understand over time that You have me right where You want me, and You have uniquely gifted me to allow me to fulfill the plan You have for me.  My only response should be praise for Your wisdom and provision as I do my best to fulfill Your plan for me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford