“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Many of the Corinthian Christians were proud because they considered themselves spiritually mature, that they had already attained perfection. This pride and arrogance left them blind to their faults which included an elitist attitude and a serious lack of love toward one another. Paul pointed out that part of their problem was an overzealous concern for the gifts of the spirit notably prophecy and speaking in tongues. To the Corinthians these two gifts in particular were the signs that they were spirit-filled and above earthly concerns and problems. Their maintained that all true believers had to manifest such gifts. Naturally this attitude led to factions, divisions and disagreements among brethren.
Their treatment of these gifts was no different from their previous behavior as pagans, before they came to the Lord, since such ecstatic utterances were part of pagan rituals. Yet as Christians they felt that the manifestation of these gifts of powerful utterance were evidence of God’s presence with them. Paul pointed out that these and all spiritual gifts were given by God for the exaltation of the Lord Jesus, not the self, and for mutual edification. All the gifts were given by the Holy Spirit as He wills and they are not meant for personal glorification. Thus each believer needs every other one in the church so that as the church they may properly function as God’s Kingdom on earth. This requires different gifts and talents. Diversity of gifts, not absolute uniformity, is the indication of the Spirit’s presence.
Therefore we should deem all our Christian brothers as our equals, no matter their gifts or talents. If we think some brethren lack our spiritual insight or maturity, or if they are not gifted with the same talents as we are, we should not become proud or arrogant, the sin that many in the Church of Corinth had committed. Paul wrote to remind them that all members of the Body of Christ belong to God. He has called and gifted each with talents which are essential to the functioning and growth of His Church.