While illustrating the diversity of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 the apostle repeatedly stresses their one source in God. He also stresses their one purpose, to reveal the Holy Spirit’s work and power for the common good of the church. These unifying realities lead the apostle’s thought to a general discussion of the oneness of the redeemed community. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-19 he explains and illustrates the nature and importance of the unity of the church itself. The diversity of the church is a God-ordained means of bringing the fellowship to oneness, but unless each diverse member recognizes and accepts their part in the whole body, diversity will divide rather than unite, destroy rather than build up, and bring discord rather than harmony. As we serve the Lord we do so through the power and enablement of the Holy Spirit who divides to everyone as He determines. To fail or refuse to use our gifts within the church is rebellious disobedience, and to be frustrated that you don’t have the gifts you want is jealousy. Yet Paul says that while some gifts are more visual than others, there is no gifts that are unimportant. As a matter of fact some of the gifts that are “hidden” in ministry are vital to the life and impact of the church. Remember that as you become frustrated because people do not “see” what you are doing and reward you for it.