Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful... (The Message)
"Variety is the very spice of life That gives it all its flavor." English Poet William Cowper
If you have ever had to eat a bland diet for very long you know how true this statement is when it comes to food. But it isn't just food that Cowper and Paul are talking about. They know that variety is what brings excitement as well as joy to the lives that we live. Paul recognizes that not everyone is given the same gifts, skills, and abilities by God. It is that variety though that encourages Paul as he celebrates the reality that each of us has something to offer.
The problem with each of us having a variety of gifts is that we have to work to figure out exactly what they are and how we might best use them in God's ongoing creation of the Kingdom which is coming. If we don't understand that God is depending upon us to be at this work of creation we will simply sit back and assume that our little gift(s) don't matter in the long run and because they are big and fancy no one will really miss them. But when we choose not to use that which God has given us it must make God very sad and everyone including the church loses out.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- When you see the gifts that Paul lists do you see any that aren't being used in todays church? Why do you think that might be?
- Do you like variety or would you prefer the same thing on a regular basis? Why do you think that is?
- What gifts do other people see in you? (If you don't know why not ask someone today.)
- If you don't participate with God in what God is doing who is going to lose out? Why?
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