In his letter to the Corinthians Paul compares the Christian church to the human body which is one body but has many different parts each of which has different functions (1 Corinthians 12). In order for the body to function properly, all these different functions are necessary. Earlier in the chapter Paul lists the functions or gifts within the Christian body or community:
- Apostles
- Prophets
- Teachers
- Workers of miracles
- Healing
- Helping
- Administrating
- Speaking in tongues
- Interpretation of tongues
Paul instructs us to “earnestly desire” these gifts. However, in the last sentence in chapter 12 Paul tells us he knows “a still more excellent way.”
In chapter 13, Paul describes the more excellent way as love. He defines love as an action, not as an emotion. It is how we treat one another. And Paul places so high a priority on love that he states we ought to desire it more than being an apostle or having the ability to heal others or any of the other gifts he mentions in chapter 12.
As Christians, do we place a higher priority on developing and utilizing our “gifts” than on how we treat others? Is holding a position of influence in a Christian organization more important than being “patient and kind” with those with whom we work? Developing and using our gifts and talents is important (Matthew 25:14-30) but not at the expense of how we treat others.
