The whispers of envy for the gifts others have are more common than we care to admit. We admire someone’s eloquence or melodious voice, while secretly doubting if ours matters. But comparison blinds us to the gifts God has placed within us and dims our willingness to serve. Praise the Heartbeat, Not Just the Smile We often praise what catches the eye, quick to pay compliments to someone’s smile or applaud their commanding presence. But when was the last time someone praised you for healthy arteries or how steady the rhythm of your heartbeat is? These unseen parts are what keep everything going. Yet, we rarely pay them any attention until something goes wrong. The same is true in church. Some roles may not draw applause, but if we were to remove one, the whole body feels it.  Not every gift is the same, nor should it be Our gifts vary purposefully and are intentionally apportioned (1 Cor 12:11) for us to fulfil a role in Christ’s body that no one else can. We are like brushstrokes in God’s painting. Some bold, others subtle. Some define the scene, others fill the gaps. On their own, a single stroke may seem small, but without it, the masterpiece is incomplete. We are called to be faithful stewards with what we’ve been given. Whether our gift is to encourage, to serve, to give, to teach, to lead, or to show mercy, let us offer it joyfully (Rom 12:6-8).  I brought store-bought ice cream to a potluck long ago. Surrounded by meticulously prepared home-cooked meals, I felt like my contribution did not measure up. But as smiles accompanied their second helpings, I realised my contribution had more worth than I gave it credit for. No single dish makes a feast, just as no single member builds the church. In the same way, it’s the chorus of all our offerings that makes the body complete (Rom 12:4-5). What may seem insignificant to you could be the very thing that strengthens someone else. And in turn, we too are uplifted by what others bring. Because together, we form a whole. May we learn to treasure not just the visible, but the faithful, for the parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable (1 Cor 12:22). We are not meant to have every gift, nor strive for more. God designed us to be interdependent. Thus, submit to Him by using our gift faithfully, and celebrate others in theirs. Use It, Don’t Flaunt It.  While we are called to use our gifts in servitude, we must also guard against the temptation to use these gifts as a pedestal for prominence or self-glorification. We did not earn our gift, nor do we have to prove worthy of it. But it is given to us for one reason, so that we can serve (1 Peter 4:10). As 1 Corinthians 12:7 reminds us, the manifestation of the Spirit is for the common good. Let us not bury our gifts in fear or comfort, lest we be found unfaithful (Matt 25:26-30). For just as God gives, He can take away. Every Dish Counts When Feeding a Family When we gather every Sabbath, it is like a spiritual potluck of grace. Bring your portion to the table with joy. Because when every gift is in motion, the church becomes a unified, radiant body. And through it all, God will be glorified (Ephesians 4:16).

Having grown up in the church, partaking of the bread and cup in Holy Communion is one of the few deep-seated constants. From the breaking of the unleavened bread, to the pouring of the grape juice, to the singing of hymns, and to the receiving of a part of both wholes, one way or another, every sacrament has never ceased to move me. However, allowing myself to be moved is a very conscious decision, a very mindful act. Otherwise, it becomes all too easy to move through the superficially ordinary and routine service. As with all sacraments, their spiritual significance, everything our eyes and limbs cannot discern, surpasses their physical simplicities.  The central understanding is that in the partaking of the Holy Communion, we remember God’s love for us. In total submission to God’s will from start to finish, it is because of Jesus’ sacrifice that the church can be established. Each of us was bought, brought, included and counted worthy, justified through Jesus alone. If we understand that it takes every one of us to complete the body of Jesus, that is the church, why do we still choose one over another? Or why do we stubbornly pursue self-directed agendas, cast Christ’s purpose far from mind? Pointedly reminded to humbly examine our hearts by this chapter’s example of spiritual and physical divisions in the church, in conjunction with the unifying grace of Christ’s death, let us also pray and endeavour to esteem others above ourselves, that we may dwell and work together for the good of one another and the glory of God.

We may not worship physical idols, but do you have idols in your heart?

How far will we go for someone’s soul?  

I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Life’s Great Wisdom - Appropriate Conduct

How do we glorify God in a world that seems to tell us opposing things?

The Corinthians had an appearance of humility, but were puffed up. What about us?