Spiritual Gifts (2)

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. I have recently been encouraged to better appreciate members in the body of Christ and their various functions from 1 Corinthians 12v4-6 (KJV) which says “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” The Amplified Version puts it this way: “Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all.”

Some of the implications of these verses are that: it is unnecessary to have any form of competition in the body of Christ; after all, the Holy Spirit is the One that gives gifts to all people – as He so determines. He knows what is best fitting for each person, and He will give it accordingly for the benefit of all. One also should not think of oneself highly because the Holy Spirit knows what is needed in the body, provides gifts to meet those needs, and ultimately all that we are doing is for the same Lord and Master. We are all serving the same Lord – no competition. No one’s work is more or less important than the other – after all, it is the same God who is doing and completing the work in each and everyone of us. Hallelujah.

From this then, we need to appreciate one another and the work that God is doing in each life. 1 Corinthians 12v27 (TLB) says “Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” Beloved, we are all members of the body of Christ, and important members of it – though different, and playing diverse roles, still equally very important. Let us appreciate our diversities, differences and the God who has set us in the body the way He deemed fit.

Prayer

Father, we thank You for the diversities of gifts, operations and workings. Thank You for what You are doing in and through me and every member of the body of Christ. Forgive me for times I haven’t appreciated this diversity, but instead had been competitive. I pray You will help me to understand more Your work in and through the body of Christ, and Your desire for unity. Help me to be an instrument of unity and love, in Jesus name, amen.