Ramblings on What We Share: Meeting Peoples’ Needs

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 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. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. I Corinthians 12:27-31a

 

Nature itself tells us that each species has different strengths. The leopard has speed. The turtle has protection. The wolf has a pack. Most species use their strength for self-preservation. Mankind is distinct in that God has given us supernatural strength through the Holy Spirit to be used for the preservation of others. The apostle is only effective if he has someone to lead. The prophet is only beneficial if there is someone to receive and benefit from his prophecies. The healer can’t exercise his gift if there is no one sick.

 

Paul tells us to eagerly desire these gifts, not because it will make us great in the eyes of others, but because these are the gifts the world needs the most. There is no shortage of lost, wandering souls looking for someone to show them the way. Flocks of people turn every day to palm readers and psychics because they need to know that which is unknowable by human wisdom. Hospitals are bursting with those who are hurt or struck with illness.

 

Jesus met these needs of mankind during His ministry. The multitudes followed Him because he spoke as one who has authority (Matt. 7:29). When He prophesied, they would ask, “When will these things be?” (Matt. 24:3). When He saw the sick being brought to Him, He had compassion on them and healed every last one (Matt. 12:15, 14:14).

 

God the Father appointed Jesus to these good works and He has a work for us as well. It should be our greatest wish and prayer to be able to follow Jesus’ example by providing for the needs of the people around us.