Order in the Church

1 Corinthians 12:28

28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

God has appointed order in the church. Just as men, women, and children are equal in value and worth yet different in role and authority; the body has many parts performing different functions and tasks that are equal in some respects and not in others.

After all, if you don't have a heart, you don't have a living body. If you don't have a brain, you don't have a thinking body. Perhaps a machine could keep your heart pumping and the body's systems on-going, but there would be no profound quotes or books written by said body. However, the one without legs may not be able to walk, but it's thriving more as a living body than one missing its lungs. Is the heart more part of the body than the ear? No. It is more essential? Yes. Without ears you may not hear that car coming and walk into the middle of the street. Without a heart, you aren't going anywhere. Your heart can only keep you alive. It cannot produce another life. Only your reproductive organs can perpetuate the species. Your heart aids your reproductive system in keeping it alive. Your stomach will determine a large number of your decisions and the attitude in which you perform many of your tasks in between meals. Does your heart need to eat? Not the same way your stomach does, but without your stomach eating, your heart would eventually die with the rest of you.

Are we all connected? Yes. Could the body survive more easily the loss of some than others? Yes. God has appointed some things, some people, some gifts, and some talents to be more useful and important in the perpetuation of His church than others.

Apostles, prophets, and teachers take precedent over miracles, healing, tongues, etc... The latter affirm the former, but the former affirm the purpose of the latter.