Yahweh calls true believers of Yeshua to work together like a human body. Not all are the same parts. Each has different gifts and should work together to glorify God and help one another using these gifts God has provided them. The hand should not try to be the foot as the one who is gifted in administration should not try to be the teacher or prophet, unless God has given them that gift as well.
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 27Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?
Acts 6:1-7 provides a very practical, hands-on example of how to apply this principle. It is as relevant in Christian communities and organizations today as it was two thousand years ago.
1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.
7The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
It is important for all believers to genuinely and wholeheartedly turn from sin and turn toward God, seeking forgiveness and changing their behaviors and attitudes to be more like that of Christ. It is important for all believers and especially leaders in the church to learn how to live in the power of the Holy Spirit provided by God. However, each of us has different gifts and must learn what they are and how to use them for helping the local and global community of brothers and sisters who make up the body of Christ.
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please show each of us the gifts You have given us and help us to find joy operating within those gifts. Help us not to envy the gifts You have given to others. Help us to use our gifts not only for our own benefit but also to honor You and show kindness and love to others. Amen.
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ
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