Scripture

So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

Observation

Together, we form Christ’s body. It is not about any individual person.

God has placed His gifts in the Body according to His order – firstly apostles, then prophets, teachers and the other gifts.

Not everybody gets to have all the gifts or exercise all the offices in the church. No, we should seek the most helpful gifts.

Application

Paul tells us to earnestly seek the most helpful gift. He is not telling us to desire the gifts he already listed as being appointed in the church.

To earnestly desire the most helpful gift is dynamic, changing from day to day. Today, confronted by a severe illness, I might seek the gift of healing. Tomorrow, prophecy might be the most helpful gift.

The “gifts” listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 are not “given” to individuals. Every believer has the opportunity to exercise gifts according to the need of the moment. It is this gift, this action of the Holy Spirit, that is needed right now that I should earnestly desire.

We should not see the list given in this passage as a hierarchy of importance. Apostles are not most important and the gift of tongues the least important. In chapter 14, Paul says a message in tongues might convict an unbeliever of God’s reality and presence. In that moment, the gift of tongues is the most important gift.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, come and fill me. Work out your presence in my life and outward to other people. May I work in all the gifts that you desire to show your power. Amen.