Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (vv. 4-11)

I once read an article about someone in a cult, explaining why he chose to join it. The cult was based on the Bible, with their leader claiming to be Jesus Christ. His argument was that he did not feel he belonged in a Christian church. However, he felt that he belonged in the cult because they taught him about unity. He said he felt important because he was part of the group, even though he did not feel he was good at anything. This made me think about how badly many churches are doing at present.

I felt that favouritism was strong in Christian churches even when I was only seven years old. Children whose parents held positions were treated better by church leaders. People who donated more money were given positions in the church. Even at that age, I thought it was strange and unfair. Many churches, in practice, are doing worse than cults.

Paul teaches clearly about the church and how it should be. From the beginning of his letters, he speaks about harmonious unity. We are all different—no one is the same, not even identical twins. God uses each of us for His own purpose. We all serve one another. And we follow one leader, Jesus Christ.

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If they were all one part, where would the body be? But now there are many parts, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again, the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, it is much truer that the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; and those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor, and our less presentable parts become much more presentable, whereas our more presentable parts have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the parts may have the same care for one another. And if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it. (vv. 19-26)

We quickly judge people by their appearance. We judge others based on what we see and hear—how they talk, how they dress, and what they do. It is very easy to fool people. There was a Christian leader who was later found guilty of sexual crimes after his death. Multitudes followed him while he was still alive. When the accusations and lawsuits appeared, his followers accused the victims of lying. The leader had great wealth, dressed well, and delivered eloquent speeches. Yet he was a false Christian.

Do not follow people who lure others with sweet speeches. Read the true Word of God. Paul’s words are from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit told him what the church in Corinth needed. In the Kingdom of God, no one is judged by status, wealth, or appearance. Then why do we still live and act like pagans?

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts. (vv. 27-31)