“And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked” (1 Corinthians 12:23-24).

Last Thursday Anita and I hosted our family for Thanksgiving. We all ate well, but we pretty much ignored everyone but the youngest grandchildren. We gave special favor and assistance to them, because they can’t take care of themselves. We gave them special honor and attention.

That’s what Paul is talking about in the body. We give special honor and favor to those who can’t take care of themselves. That would include the children in our church, the aged in our church, and the spiritually immature. When someone in the church becomes vulnerable due to an attack, a death, a failure, or anything else that makes them weak, those members of the body that are stronger need to step up to the plate.

Jealousy and competitiveness in the church just doesn’t lend itself to spiritual gifts. Those of us who feel better than another must use those strengths to strengthen the weaker. Strengthening the weaker brother/sister strengthens the whole body. The church of Jesus Christ just looks better all around.

What part of the body at New Hope has a need? Go after that need and watch your spiritual gifts come alive!

Tags: church, jealousy, service, spiritual gifts