For the Profit of All

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all..."

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

In Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, he compared the church to a body where Jesus Christ is the head and all Christians are connected to Him and one another.  Hands and feet are different from each other, but they both have their function to serve the whole body.  God, who created every person unique, by the Holy Spirit gives a variety of spiritual gifts that minister in countless ways to people in the church.  Even as all humans share the same basic physical anatomy but can look very different in appearance, the same spiritual gift can be as unique as believers who receive and exercise it.

Paul emphasised the sovereignty of God, the unity of believers, the diversity of gifts and activities.  In verse 7 the reason is stated for the gifts, ministries, activities and work of the church together:  each believer is gifted for the profit of all.  This passage and others in the New Testament describe roles and spiritual gifts given to Christians so members of the church individually and the church corporately will be edified and Jesus Christ glorified.  It is important to understand the spiritual gifts God gives us are not primarily for our own personal edification but for the building up of the church.  This means spiritual gifts are not to be reserved or limited for personal use but to be used in the church community as we gather together regularly.  Through the use of gifts, ministry and activities, God chooses to work all so all will profit.

In my youth this was entirely a foreign concept to me.  For instance, when I received a birthday gift, I viewed it as mine--it was intended for me to use when and how I wanted.  It was not my brother's toy or my sister's toy, but my personal property.  I remember receiving a gift of beef jerky once and since it was a special treat I limited myself to only one piece every day to savour it until it was gone.  It never once occurred to me to offer some of the jerky to my siblings or parents who gave it to me.  It was mine!  I did not think to follow my dad's example, for whenever he received an edible gift his first impulse was to open the container and pass it around so everyone could enjoy the treat together.  It wasn't that he didn't like cashews or beef jerky but he cared about those around him who would appreciate a snack as well.

Since God has been gracious and generous to give us forgiveness, salvation and spiritual gifts, we ought to be generous with the gifts He has given us to people in the church.  Galatians 6:10 reads, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."  When we consider the roles and spiritual gifts mentioned in this chapter, we see all of them involve a group of people.  1 Corinthians 12:29-30 says, "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"  What is the point of an apostle being sent who goes to no one, a prophet without hearers or a teacher without students?  Jesus healed others rather than himself, and tongues with interpretations are a sign to unbelievers and believers can praise God together with understanding.

God has given us spiritual gifts for the profit of all, and even we are not our own because we have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus.  Praise God for His gracious gifts and how He uses diverse people with various gifts for the same purpose of edifying the church.  Instead of being like me, hoarding my gift of beef jerky for myself, let us be as generous share around God's love and serve others like Jesus always does.