To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” vs. 7
1 Corinthians 11:7-11
From the beginning it has been enormously difficult for humans to recognize that life is communal, particularly when the culture has been taken captive by the curse of individualism. Some actually begin to believe that everything is up to them, and that any talk of the common good is misguided. Our spiritual ancestors would have found such notions ridiculous. For them it was perfectly obvious they were a chosen people and that the community worked best when individuals sacrificed their own desires and goals for the greater good of the nation. That’s why Paul made such a big deal out of being one in Christ and recognizing that other’s needs had a higher priority than our own. In Corinth there weren’t many Spirits! There was one Spirit working in all the members of the Body without exception, and the gifts that were made manifest were for the good of all. Of course this isn’t just true in the Church. Every kind of human association, whether in a community, city, state, or nation works best when the highest priority is the common good. It is incredibly destructive when gifted individuals put all their energy and resources into building fortunes for themselves. Soon a few people control all the wealth and it’s always the poor and folks on the fringes that suffer the most, and that is certainly not the will of our Lord Jesus.
Thought for the Day: How do I use my gifts for the common good?
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