Exploring the Scripture

The beginning of the passage reads like Paul is a frustrated leader. He is writing to the Christian community in Corinth, which is having a hard time being a community. About twenty years have passed since the crucifixion of Jesus, and the churches in Corinth are “in a mess.” The people are meeting in homes, allowing the opportunity for different messages and beliefs, all under the banner of being Christian.

Paul is writing to his community as an apostle to unite the people, recognizing Jesus as Lord. He needs the people to hear that everything we do, as Christians, is aligned with Jesus as Lord. He does this by insisting there is Unity in Diversity. There are various gifts, various ways to serve, and various ways to worship.

Paul’s message is for us now as a global church. In 2004, members at an International Leaders Meeting created the document, “We are One, We Are Many.” It was read during the World Conference. It says:

We are Community of Christ and we are walking the path together. We sing “joy” in thousands of congregations. We say “hope” in scores of languages. We proclaim peace in almost 60 nations. We are one and we are many. We are diverse, yet we are community, for we belong to Christ.

We recognize and celebrate the many ways to proclaim Jesus is Lord. Paul’s message is as relevant today as it was for the Corinthians. We more easily can communicate with others, yet we continue to find ways to separate ourselves from others. 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 calls us back into relationship with those from whom we may be separated.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. In our diversity, all belong to Christ.
2. We value each person’s faith journey and find strength in our differences.
3. We are one; we are many.

Questions to Consider

1. How can we celebrate diversity?
2. How can understanding our differences bring us together as Community of Christ?
3. How has your relationship with Christ grown by listening to and hearing another person’s story?