27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? 31But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 12:27-31
This is a passage that has confused me for quite some time. The concept that some gifts are "greater" than others is hard enough to accept. The concept of desiring/seeking greater gifts is even more difficult for me - it always seems that I would be ungrateful towards God to be dissatisfied with the gifts He has already given me.
In bible study last night, however, it was suggested to me that it is not we as individuals who should be desiring these gifts, but rather we as a church. Paul has just finished telling us that "You are the body of Christ" (1 Cor 12:27). It is, therefore, the body - that is the church - who are instructed to seek the greater gifts.
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