What does 1 Corinthians 12:24 mean?

Not every part of the human body requires protection and modesty. Most of us don't worry too much about hiding our hands from view or keeping them out of harm's way. They've got obvious work to do right out in the open. Many functions in the church are like that, too. The pastors and teachers are very visible members of the body with obvious gifts and obvious work to do. When certain situations occur, those are the first members expected to move, to work, and to be put into use.

At the same time, there are parts of the body which some might consider "less honorable," in that we don't want them to be exposed or seen. They're also not parts we want treated roughly or put in harm's way. But that, in and of itself, speaks to the value and importance of those parts. They have a role to fulfill, and we instinctively want to protect their ability to function, keeping them from things they were not meant to do.

Beyond the easily-seen roles like pastors and teachers, other gifted people fill roles that are virtually invisible to the rest of the church body. Those roles and the people who fill them should be given perhaps even greater honor in the church. Without the quiet encouragers, the helpers, and the givers, the church would stop being the church. Paul insists we must honor all parts of the church body.