May 24, 2021

Ben Kiowski
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7

When I read this delightful explanation of God’s bestowing upon each person an indispensable and intrinsic value, I receive caution and encouragement. I am cautioned to remember that God’s design for the works of ministry here in the terrestrial is specifically his and beautifully varied according to and for the fulfillment of his purposes. Each person has planted inside, as a function of the Holy Spirit alive within them, a deliberately placed and divinely intended gifting that lends itself to a certain ministry or ministries. As I remember this, I can be quick to appreciate the works that others do within the wheelhouse of their gifting rather than trying to understand them through the lens of my own gifting. Instead of requiring others to be passionate about and hold as paramount the works and ministries that my personal giftings support, I can appreciate and be thankful for the work of God through others to accomplish the purposes of God. I am encouraged in the knowledge that God has deemed it fit to include you and me in his works. He has not only called us, but he has also equipped us each uniquely and supernaturally by the in-filling of the Holy Spirit to set afire those traits, talents, and passions that he knitted into us in our mother’s womb. What a blessing, privilege, and honor it is to be so valued by the God of the universe that he chooses to administer his goodness and perfect plan to the world through his people. May we all be ready and yielding as he continues to empower us and send us out for the sake of the Gospel.