Judges 1-3; 1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12:31a

But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Because in proceeding verses it lists some of the gifts and says "first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers..." it was easy to assume that this meant the first on the list was the greatest gift and so on. But as I really look at the whole chapter I'm thinking that may not be the meaning of "greater" gifts. What if desiring the greater gifts simply means functioning to the fullest within the body of Christ in whatever role He has placed you and with which ever gift(s) He's blessed you. Desire to be what God desires you to be rather than seeking to become a part of the body you find more glamorous or honorable. God gives to each one of us as He determines because He knows what is needed to carry out His will and His work. When I place my own desire of being or doing something else above the role God has made just for me, I handicap the body. Does that mean I shouldn't ask for other gifts or want to be used in a different way? Of course not. But my focus always needs to remain on following God's design and desires for me.