Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh
all in all.But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
(I Corinthians 12:4-7)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether
prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth on teaching;Or he that exhorteth on exhortation: he that giveth let him do it with
simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with
cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8)There is one source of spiritual gifts but there are many different gifts. No gift is more
important than another. Your position in the Body of Christ is compared to parts of a human
body. Just as in the human body, the smaller parts such as the eye have important functions, the
seemingly "small" gift is often quite important in the functioning of the church. Some gifts
involve greater responsibilities, but no gift is more important than another.
Some parts of the human body have greater responsibilities than others. For example, the eye
lets you see what is around you. It guides you when walking. It permits you to read and see and
enjoy God's creations. The eye has greater responsibility, but it is no more important than the
big toe which provides balance for walking. The guidance of the eye for walking is useless if
you have no feet with which to walk. The eye's function to permit reading is useless if you have
no brain to understand what you read.
Sometimes misunderstanding arises in the Church when believers do not recognize the spiritual
gifts of others. For example, one person may have the gift of giving and may not understand
another believer who does not give as liberally. Or one may have the gift of administration and
become very impatient with people who are less organized.
Each believer should use his spiritual gifts to work together with other believers who have
different gifts. When this happens, the Church functions effectively as the Body of Christ.