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November 27, 2023

One Body, Many Gifts, One Goal

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.

All the parts of the human body were designed by our Creator to work together. Thus, when one part fails to function as it was designed, the whole body is affected. Every part matters to the whole—and the same is true for us, the body of Christ.

The Bible compares the local church to a body to demonstrate that every member of that body is essential. You see, God has given every believer at least one spiritual gift, and these gifts are what determine a person’s function in the body of Christ. Every gift is incredibly important to the healthy functioning of the whole.

In Paul’s day, the Christians in Corinth were confused about spiritual gifts. Some envied the more attention-getting gifts, like miraculous powers and speaking in tongues. Others thought they were too good for the gifts they had received, the quieter gifts such as wisdom and helping. As a result, many gifts went unused or, worse, were twisted into sources of pride. But this kind of behavior is an affront to the wisdom and love of God. The proper response to our King’s gracious gifts is humble gratitude and joy in using these gifts to serve Christ and His church.

As God’s church, we are one body but many parts. We will not all have the same jobs to accomplish (see 1 Corinthians 12:17). God has given the church a variety of people with differing spiritual gifts for both our individual and corporate blessing. The gifts you’ve been given were chosen for you by God, and God knows what He is doing. So if we are to see our local church thrive, we must discover what our gifts are and exercise them with diligence and humility.

When it comes to the body of believers, we need each other—every part—in order to be healthy and strong. We must support and protect each other. No part of the church can function properly on its own. And often the people you never see up front at church are among the most critical members of the body of Christ. Though they serve quietly in the background with administration, faith, giving, knowledge, and more, they are seen by our Father in heaven. So when it comes to spiritual gifts, let’s use them not for self-promotion but for humble, loving service to the body of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. May I humbly use them to serve You and Your church for Your purposes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (1 Corinthians 12:18).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Part 17: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

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We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at LeadingTheWay.org.

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 28 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazinesolar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 50 books, including popular titles Saving Christianity?, Hope for This Present Crisis, Life-Changing Prayers, and Never Give Up. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 11 grandchildren.

Contact Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef

Mailing Address
Leading The Way
P.O. Box 20100
Atlanta, GA 30325
Telephone: 
(404) 841-0100 
Toll Free Number:
(800) 337-5323