Many Gifts — Same God

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Theme: The same God works through each of our individual gifts to accomplish His purpose. Key verses: “There are a diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (v. 4-6) What God said to me: Dwayne, my servant, this is exactly what I have been impressing on you for some time now. This passage expresses it more succinctly than anywhere else in Scripture. You cannot please me more than to do what I have gifted you and intended for you to do. Man looks at various ministries and automatically assumes one is more important and more blessed than another. An evangelist may see thousands come to Christ while a faithful missionary may only see a few respond to his message. One pastor may see hundreds added to his congregation while another pastor — who is just as creative and full of faith — may see a fraction of that numerical growth. Jesus expressed this principle and reality in the parable of the sower. Some who sowed seeds saw a harvest of a hundredfold, but others saw only sixty or even thirtyfold. You see, Dwayne, in my economy, I do not determine your success based on your success in human terms of results. Rather, you are successful in my eyes if and when you do exactly what I lead you to do and you passionately seek to use all of your talents and spiritual gifts to honor me and build my kingdom. Choose justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. That is what is required of you, my son. Nothing more and nothing less. Now, go and fulfill your mission… What I said to God: Thank You, most holy and faithful Lord! Praise You this early Saturday morning. I lift Your name on high and want to honor You with my life today. Thank You for reminding me I don’t have to compete with the output and success of my fellow Christian brothers and sisters. I have been uniquely gifted to accomplish a certain work on this earth. My job is to complete that work — no matter how glamorous or not so glamorous that job may be to others, no matter how insignificant or unimpressive it may appear, and no matter how difficult and lengthy it may be. There are many gifts, but thankfully, we serve the same God, who at judgment will give to each man according to his works. You are my judge, and You are only one I must please and serve. Help me maintain that focus, and stay the course with joy!