Lent 2020, Day 12: “I am nothing.”

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13:2

Years ago, while a member of my former church, I was part of a prayer ministry group. Besides doing a LOT of praying, we also did a lot of discussing on what our spiritual giftings were, and how those gifts would serve us in distinct roles. We were taught about The Five Fold Ministry. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, here’s a quick primer:

The Fivefold Ministry is a term referring to the five ministry roles of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher found in the book of Ephesians. It’s the Biblical blueprint we are given to equip people and grow the Kingdom.

Jesus exemplified the perfect ministry during His time on earth and was the full embodiment of all the giftings together. Because Jesus lives in us and through us (Galatians 2:20), we have been called to live as Jesus lived (1 John 2:6) and continue the works He began on Earth (John 14:16). As saints, we have been given the call to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20) and have been given the mission to reconcile all things to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-19).

Because Christ lives in us and through us, God accomplishes His purposes on Earth through His people (Philippians 2:13). Within each of the saints, we find the various manifestations of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher within the Body of Christ. Each person is given a gift, a role, and a part of the Body to continue the work of Christ.

While the members of our group were taught the importance of each role (“Like five fingers on a hand!”), it was quite obvious most everybody wanted to be a Prophet, a Pastor, or an Apostle. Evangelist was a distant fourth. I can’t honestly recall anyone gunning to be a Teacher. Well, except me.

Being a Prophet was super awesome. One conjures being Isaiah, Yoda, and Dumbledore, all rolled into one. Throw down warnings from on High, and then close with “Thus saith the Lord!” Maybe have a walking stick, some anointing oil, a lightsaber, I don’t know, I’m just spitballing here. The point is, most people wanted to be that particular finger, even if it meant four thumbs and one pinky/ teacher, aka me.

I’m really feeling the part of the verse above about moving mountains. That is some true Professor X-level power there. It should be noted that Xavier is a professor- a TEACHER. Score one for those who in education with disabilities and mortal enemies (oh, I have one… they turned on me).

Okay, steering away from Blerd Blvd. and back on to Main Point Drive, in light of I Corinthians 13:2, it behooves all members of the Body of Christ, no matter their role, to remember that without love, we are nothing. Full stop.

Even if we have the cuteness of Baby Yoda.