And 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 (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).
This is kind of an odd, eclectic list, when you read it closely. I mean, you’ve got apostles and prophets at the top. This makes sense–the apostles had been with Jesus and were the founders of the Church. And prophets? Sure, prophets would be right up there at the top–no question. But teachers in the #3 position? Ahead of miracle workers? That’s something to ponder. It really speaks to the importance of the Word of God. (I mean, I’m assuming Paul is not referring to history and geography teachers like me.)
Then, after the Big Three, Paul gives a kind of random list of gifts. I know it’s not exhaustive, and it doesn’t totally match up with the list of spiritual gifts he gave earlier, but still…
miracle workers
healers
those who help others–(this seems to be a very broad category)
administrators–(my principal will be pleased to read this)
those who speak in tongues.
The point here, it seems to me, is that there is a wide and diverse variety of gifts, but they all have two major things in common:
- They are given by God, and
- They are to be used to build His Church.
Beloved, it’s not about trying to find yourself on this list. It’s about realizing that whatever talents you have–and you do have them–they are gifts given by the Lord of Everything to bless others. So go be you and do what you do–for the glory of God.
Happy Thursday, Beloved