As I learned in Sunday School lessons focusing on 1 Corinthians12:27, I am unique. My teammates and I are unique and we come together an a group because of our individual qualities, not because we are so similar. The phrase, “the whole is greater than the sum total of all the parts� applies to Christians even more than unbelievers. So why do we constantly compare ourselves? Why do we yearn for the talents of another? Why can’t we be content to discover the wonderful blessings God has personally laid out for us? Really, I am eager to learn; I want educate myself about things I’ve never been introduced to, am not entirely comfortable with, and that can help me become a better servant of the Lord. The immediate frustration I felt when another proclaimed to be speaking the ability of some spiritual gift over himself, lead me to search for my opinion on the matter. I can’t disagree if I don’t have knowledge on the subject. So, I did a little researched. Based on First Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, and Romans 12 I formulated an opinion*. Rather than praying to the Lord Almighty for particular gifts, I should I instead pray for discernment of ANY gift God might bestow upon me and the ability to embrace it to edify the kingdom. Paul writes that we should seek and desire the gifts that build up the church. There is no implication that we should pray for specific gifts or all of the gifts. The Bible states that we are to be eager to receive any gifts that God may bless us with. But what are the gifts? How many are there? Do we, as Christians, share any one gift? I believe that as I pray for understanding and acceptance of spiritual gifts, apparent in myself and others, I can continue to pray for what I know God desires for each of us. The fruits of the Spirit are not exclusively for priests, missionaries and teachers. Biblically, we ARE all called to strive to embody each characteristic. Paul wrote to tell the church that we, as Christians, are not confined under the law. In deed, we don’t earn rights to Heaven by the law, but with freedom by grace, through faith. Galatians 5 states, 21if you are led by the Sprit, you are not under the law. 22 but the fruit of the sprit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self- control; against such things there is no law. 24 And these who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Sprit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. In addition to reading and desiring the fruits of the Spirit, I truly believe that concerting effort and practicing intentionality are essential to developing a character outlined in Galatians 5. As a person of Godly character, embodying patience, goodness and joy, we are best poised to aid the kingdom. With hard hearts and envious eyes, people bring deceit and destruction. When we pray and practice the fruits of the Spirit, we open ourselves up to discovering the miracle that the body does function greater than the sum of all parts. It is only with the power of the Creator that such a phenomenon can take place. Therefore, if a foot discovers it is not a hand, it does not mean it isn’t a part of the body. It is actually a very important part of the whole, just different and separate from another. First Corinthians 12 simply clarifies the commandment to trust in the Lord: 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is there are many parts but one body. Paul tries to make the word as Then should we not ask the Lord for His blessing, as particularly destined for us individually, rather than assuming we know which gifts we should acquire? This passage goes beyond different personalities like I once thought. I now see that this metaphor was not only practical but necessary for the people then, now and those to come. We have a tendency to want to mimic other, in interests, talents, even troubles. Yet, as I have come to understand, we must each seek God’s unique plan for our lives. The bible tells us to go after the higher gifts, and directly follows with a detailed discussion of love. The things we need worry about are much less critical than what we imagine. While humans have an innate desire to know and control, Christians defer control to the Lord of All. 4Love is patience, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boat, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love Never Fails First Corinthians 12:14
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28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kids of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have fits of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts
When hearing a peer state that he wanted a particular gift and was eagerly praying for it, I became irrationally frustrated. It took lots of prayer, reading, and discussion to come to some sort of conclusion: I am curious about these spiritual gifts people talk about and a little taken aback by what I registered to be arrogance. God has provided me with a wealth of resources this month in Haiti. I am living with all 44 other World Racers; those with much more missionary experience, Bible college knowledge, and scriptural curiosity than any group of people I’ve ever before associated with.
So I have resolved to seek out the Lord’s plan for me through prayer and contemplation. I am asking questions and listening for answers. Above all, I desire the fruits of the Spirit to be obvious in my life, through my thoughts, words and deeds. As the World Race continues and my spiritual life develops, the Lord will open doors and provide wisdom as He deems necessary. My faith is in His hands.
*I know this shocks everyone…I have an opinion! J
