“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. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” (1Corinthians 12:4-7 KJV)
Over the years I have worked with several unique supervisors. I say they were unique because each of them exhibited a few personal idiosyncrasies. By the same token, they all exhibited several common traits too. I didn’t agree with some of their administrative actions or ways of operating, yet I am convinced the Spirit of God controlled them.
We all know people who are gifted in ways that we are not. Our individual and unique gifting, however, neither exalts us nor abases us. There is no hierarchy of gifting, just difference. And despite individuality, the Spirit of God functions in us and our gifting.
The true challenge to Christianity today is this: we need to recognize and celebrate our differences. Perhaps the real issue is that we don’t acknowledge and celebrate our “sameness.” Most protestant denominations are alike in many ways, yet we seem to emphasize our differences. We build walls between us over silly differences, instead of bridging toward unity in our commonalities.
Of course, we demand every other believer to be like us and forget that Jesus is our standard of measure. You can forget about trying to make me to be like you. You are as much a broken vessel as I am. I am as much a broken vessel as you are. Why would either of us broken vessels want to be like another broken vessel? Why not focus on letting the Holy Spirit work in us? He is given to benefit both of us!
Dear Father, thank you for the benefit of your Spirit. Grant that we may yield ourselves to the unique work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today with the unique benefit of the Holy Spirit,