The believers in the Corinthian church clearly had an “I” problem. Desiring to be seen as important, many saw having one of the miraculous spiritual gifts as the way to attain significance. There were a number of believers who claimed their spiritual gift was being able to speak the language (or tongue) of angels, a language no human was able to understand. Paul’s question to them: How does that benefit others?

It’s no mistake that this passage comes right after the famous “love” chapter in the Bible, where Paul reminded the Corinthians that love “does not insist on its own way,” it is focused on others. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 9:35, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” God’s plan for His redeemed saints is the solution to the “I” problem: Pursue love by putting others first.

This week, as we watch Paul skillfully expose the flaw in the Corinthians’ self-centered logic, may we examine our own thoughts and actions. How can we as individuals and as a church family pursue love by using our spiritual gifts to benefit others instead of draw attention to ourselves?