Please read this, specifically, in verse 7 when it reveals, “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” And verses 14-21 are at the heart of the reason that the church, the ekklesia, is not only incomplete, but is lacking the potential, power and effectiveness the Lord had in mind when He called us out and sanctified us. These verses say, “for THE BODY DOES NOT CONSIST OF ONE MEMBER BUT OF MANY. If the foot should say, ‘because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, GOD ARRANGED THE MEMBERS IN THE BODY, each one of them, as He chose. IF ALL WERE A SINGLE MEMBER, WHERE WOULD THE BODY BE? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’”  This just can’t be; yet it is found in many, many, many congregations, regardless of geography, size, or denomination. Each legitimate believer, each brother and sister, can’t be molded into an honorable vessel fit for the Master’s use, and then sit on the shelf and collect dust. I have noticed from the Word and from many instances in my own life and the lives of others, that our Creator is not wasteful with anything. Everything that He has made– eternal or temporal– has a purpose. He is very efficient with the works of His hands. Nothing is wasted. Just look at Romans 8:28, “Everything works out to the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” Or take note of Psalm 107:2, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” When we make a hammer, we intend to use it to pound nails. So, the Lord, when He makes something, has an intended purpose for it and it is to be utilized, especially those He has chosen and sanctified. I LOVE this verse found in Isaiah 55:10-11…

“For as the rain and the snow come down from Heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my Word be that goes out from my mouth; IT SHALL NOT RETURN TO ME EMPTY, BUT IT SHALL ACCOMPLISH THAT WHICH I PURPOSE, AND SHALL SUCCEED IN THE THING FOR WHICH I SENT IT.”

Just as Romans 10:13-15 affirms one of the purposes of the church was made to “go” and preach the Good News so men may be saved, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?” In the same way, how is the body of Christ to function properly, effectively and powerfully when most of its members have been essentially anaesthetized, or even euthanized, concerning the Holy Spirit’s gifts to men?