Note 3 at 1Co 12:14: This is a tremendous analogy. The human body is made up of millions of different cells, yet they all have to function in harmony to make one healthy person. Likewise, for the body of Christ to be healthy, there has to be unity. This doesn't mean there isn't room for diversity. Our bodies have tremendous diversity, but when these different parts are controlled by one head, they greatly multiply our abilities.

For instance, the foot is an amazing thing. It gives us mobility as well as stability. However, it can't do what the hand can do. Think what it would be like to have four feet and no hands. We need both in cooperation to be effective. Our feet help our hands and vice versa. There is no jealousy or strife between different parts of our bodies, and there shouldn't be any between different parts of Christ's body either.

Paul continued this analogy using the ear, the eye, and the sense of smell (1Co 12:16-17). In 1Co 12:22-24, Paul expanded the analogy to say that the seemingly feeble parts of the body are necessary and need more attention (see note 7 at 1Co 12:22).