“Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!”
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 NLT
Paul finally makes the point that there has to be a variety of gifts in the Body of Christ, a point he earlier made in 1 Corinthians 12:17, using the analogy of a human body. “If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?” For a human body to function, all the different organs have to work together to ensure that the body works as it should. Such a point is so simple that it is often overlooked when applied to the Body of Christ. In my experience, there has been a tendency for certain people, particularly in independent Charismatic churches, to desire an up-front ministry. This seems to be the case with musicians, or aspiring musicians, who think they have a gift for being a worship leader. However, in other examples, there have been some who wish to be an elder, or even a pastor or teacher, when they neither possess the required gifting nor is there a vacancy to fill. Paul reminded the Corinthians that not everyone would have the same gifts, implying that if they did, this would result in a lopsided and dysfunctional church. In fact, Paul’s final word on this issue, in reply to his several “Do we all have ..” questions, was rather scathing – “Of course not!”.
There was an occasion when the mother of two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, asked Him a favour. ““What is your request?” [Jesus] asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honour next to you, one on your right and the other on your left”” (Matthew 20:21). Jesus used this as a learning example to teach His disciples about servanthood. He went on to say, “ … “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave” (Matthew 20:25b-27). In John 13, we read about the occasion when Jesus taught His disciples about servanthood by washing their feet. We know the story well, and He finished by saying, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you” (John 13:13-15).
We return to the Holy Spirit’s gifts of ministry, as listed by Paul. There is an attitude of heart behind each one of them that starts with servanthood, with the understanding that a particular ministry is not for the person’s benefit, but for the benefit of the church. And in the act of service, there is a need to put others before oneself. With a diversity of gifts, the church is able to function, but then only with the right attitude of serving the body in the best way possible.
“God does not call those who are equipped; He equips those whom He has called.”
Smith Wigglesworth
We pilgrims must ask ourselves what our particular gifts are, and couple this with what God requires for the place where He wants us to be. There may not be a position vacant for the particular gift we think God has given us, but there may be a place where we can serve. I always remember the story of Smith Wigglesworth, a Pentecostal evangelist active in the first half of the twentieth century. He spent many years giving out hymnbooks before he was called to the ministry, in which he was so effective. Moses spent forty years caring for his father-in-law’s sheep before, at the age of eighty, God called him to return to Egypt and lead the Israelite slaves to the Promised Land. Sometimes we have a tendency to get ahead of God, when instead He wants us to develop our character to the point where our gifting will become effective. So we pray and ask God to lead and guide us in His ways, always in the knowledge that He knows what is best for us.
Dear Father God. We thank You for the diversity of the gifts that populate Your church. Please help us find the place where You want us to be an effective member of Your Body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Being a Pilgrim 