Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true.
The overriding purpose of all these individual gifts is to enrich the church – not to please the recipient or give some reason for boasting. ‘A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.’ (v 7) and again in v 25 ‘This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other.’
The church is enriched, cared for, and built up, as individuals use their God-given gifts faithfully and fully.
So, let’s get back to the question posed at the end of yesterday’s reading. First, do you know what gift(s) God has given you and are you using those gifts for the benefit of others in some way?
This is the kind of discussion that might be helpful with a small group of others – are your gifts recognised and encouraged? Are you being over-shy, reticent or even lazy in not using your gifts well? Do you feel rightly or wrongly cast in the work you are doing for God; just because a need exists in a congregation does not mean you personally should take it on if your gifts take you in a different direction.
Paul expresses it brilliantly – if you are an ‘ear’ don’t try to be a ‘mouth’; and if you are a ‘foot’ don’t try to function as a ‘hand’.
Try to make time with a friend in the coming weeks to talk about your gifts and how you might best serve God through bringing benefit into the lives of others.