Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NRSV)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Thought for the Day: When Paul wrote this letter, treat the church in Corinth was deeply divided. Corinth was an incredibly diverse city because it was located on a major trade route. So, the church was also incredibly diverse, composed of people from all walks of life: men, women, rich, poor, free people and slaves.

Unfortunately, the church began to divide not only along class lines, but also at the communion table and over one’s spiritual gifts, valuing some of God’s gifts more highly than others. In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul reminds the community that each gift is given not for selfish purposes, or to exalt one human more highly than another, but rather for the good of the entire community. God’s gift of the Spirit is not meant to divide us, and is not to be used for self-aggrandizement. God’s gift of the Spirit is meant for “the common good,” to help the whole of society become a more equitable, just, and sharing community. The Spirit helps us live the life exemplified by Jesus, and Jesus lived his life and died for every single one of us, equally, regardless of social status.

Prayer: Glorious God, may your Spirit compel me to live a life of selflessness. May I follow Jesus’ example and be a person of compassion, willing to share my gifts ceaselessly, and fighting for those of us whom artificial prejudices cause to be excluded from worship or service to the Lord. Amen.