Epiphany 2c - 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

“I do not want you to be uniformed, brothers and sisters.” I imagine that line didn't go over so well with the sisters and brothers in Corinth. They imagined themselves not only very well informed but well endowed, thank you very much. But like noisy gongs and clanging cymbals they were all show and no substance and the gifts meant to bless and unite were used to curse and divide. But then pride always corrupts the good gifts of God and blinds the puffed up to their spiritual poverty. Divisions follow as one claims spiritual superiority over the other and the church that is the body of Christ performs communal amputation upon itself. It is a sad state of affairs that despite centuries of being informed, congregations continue to be led astray by idols that make a lot of noise but cannot speak the language of love. Being informed is not enough, just like knowing something is a good thing to do doesn't necessarily lead one to embrace a healthy diet and exercise. But sometimes the mind informs the heart and heart knowledge leads to repentance which is able to heal divisions within the body of Christ as Spirit activated spiritual gifts are put to their proper use. Of course it is never that neat or easy but the good news is that after centuries of informing people who prefer idols that make a lot of noise the church is still here, the Gospel is still being proclaimed and Spirit hasn't given up activating gifts for the common good.