1 Corinthians 12: ☧ Gives Up Preferences to Honor Weak in Spirit

Rev. Mark Preus, pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church & Campus Center in Laramie, Wyoming, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study 1 Corinthians 12. “It is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” Hang around a church long enough, and people will start talking about spirituality, spiritual gifts, spiritual maturity, and the rest. What does it even mean to be “spiritual”? Paul’s big idea in chapter 12 is that spirituality is not cause to be proud of ourselves. All Christians are spiritual by mere faith, and the highest spirituality is humble, loving service towards others. God is glorified when we, like Christ, empty ourselves of our own interests and preferences for the sake of others. “Discernment” is not exclusivistic or spiritual refinement, but a way of patiently guiding our “weaker” brothers while humbly honoring them.