But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…

(I Corinthians 12:19-22).

 In a culture focused on independence and personal freedom, it is easy to gloss over this verse that appears to portray the opposite.  Paul tells us that we are meant to work together and actually need each other. 

Every one of us has been given special, but different gifts, that are vital to the church and the work that God wants to do. None of us possess all of the gifts, so when we try to do it alone, it is like trying to walk without legs or to see without eyes. We are better when we work together.

Earlier in the passage, Paul writes, ‘to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good’ (verse 7). We are given different gifts in order to help each other and the community around us. We can’t take credit for these gifts, rather they are God’s power working through us.

Then he writes that, though the church has many, and very different, members, we are nevertheless one body.  This is evident in churches I have been to all over the world. Even though Christians come from different countries, states, cultures, and even speak different languages, we can be united through our faith in Christ. When we choose to submit to Christ as the head, then He unites us in His love and the purpose that He wants to accomplish through us.

Some of us may be feet, while others are hands. God chose to make us different, not to be competitive, but to complement each other. Therefore, we should value each other’s differences and build on our strengths. Then we can compensate for our weaknesses through the strengths of others.

Our gifts were not given so that we could use them only for ourselves. God has a purpose for each of us individually, but also for the church as a whole. We are His hands and feet. At times, I’ve asked God why He didn’t help someone or make a situation better. He reminded me that he does that work through us. We are called to serve. When we choose to freely submit to Jesus and allow Him to use us, the world becomes a better place.

How can you use your gifts to serve and help the church? If you are already serving, are you trying to do it alone, or are you working together with others? If you aren’t serving, remember that God gave you gifts to use in conjunction with others, and you are vitally important to the church body.