“For All” – Day Seventeen

15 Sep “For All” – Day Seventeen

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NLT – “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”  

Observation: In order to get the Corinthians back on the right path, Paul instructs them that their purpose is for everyone to use their unique gifts and in a unified way. As a church, we are one body of people made of different parts, with different gifts, all working together for the glory of God instead of arguing. God’s Spirit works through each of us individually in a unified way, just as the individual parts of our body have specific and specialized roles. We, as a part of Christ’s body, have specific roles but work together to build the church to help people find and follow Jesus. 

Application: Growing up in the church, most of the people I saw as leaders were outgoing, extroverted, eloquent speakers who were able to use words to inspire people to turn away from sin and to follow Jesus.   

As a socially shy and introverted person, I grew up thinking that it was clear that God gave people gifts to spread the Word of Jesus but that I, however, was not one of those people. Since I believed that, I thought I was meant to be a bystander. I began to compartmentalize God. I isolated my experience with him to Sundays and lived my life independently Monday through Saturday.  

We often think we need certain skills in order to do what God has set out for us. Take Moses for example. God used him in spite of what he perceived as weakness and sometimes, maybe we, like Moses, fail to realize that God is glorified through our weakness. Moses’ gift of leadership didn’t have to look like his brother Aaron’s gift of speech in order for him to advance God’s kingdom. We have to have faith that God will guide us not based on our own abilities, which would glorify ourselves, but on the strength that comes through him for his glory. By being brave enough to accept what God wants us to do through his power, the end result is that God is glorified. 

Be encouraged. You have a God-given gift, he didn’t forget to give you yours! You can use it to change the life of one, or many. Maybe you don’t have the opportunity to inspire people with words from a stage, but you probably have an occasion in which you can express love and compassion to someone who is hurting.

Maybe you perceive your gift as small, but no matter the size, they are all from the same God and can be used for his glory. Living your life as a follower of Jesus, use your gift, whatever it may be, to illustrate to others his love, to show compassion, understanding and forgiveness. These could very well be ways God will use you to draw someone you interact with closer to Christ.  

Prayer: God, we thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to use the gifts that you give us for your glory. Remind us that the gifts you have given us are unique. Keep our hearts from comparison and jealousy and let us continue to focus on utilizing our gifts to draw people to you.    

Mary Beaty

Hockessin Production Director

Mary Beaty started coming to The Journey in 2018 after relocating from Michigan with her husband and four children. She serves as the Production Director at our Hockessin location where she is affectionately known as “Hockessin Mary”.  When she is not trying to keep up with the activities of her busy kids, you can find her working as an anesthesiologist or exploring a variety of new entrepreneurial ventures.

Going Deeper:

• Read Exodus 3:10-17 
• Read 1 Corinthians 12 
• Wondering how you can use your gifts? Check out Plugged In to get connected to someone who will guide you in figuring that out!