" Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything." ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
In an age of specialized ministry, Paul provides a reminder to the Corinthian church that though there may be different gifts of the spirit, they are all given by the grace of God. The body of Christ is one that is tremendously diverse and blessed. Each gifting, each ministry is something that God has ordained and is active in working in for His glory. Yet in our day, do we see the Spirit active in ministries that we do not belong to? Though I am deeply involved in youth ministry, can I see that Christ is also the Lord over a Senior adult ministry? Do I see that within my body (His Church) of believers that God is active in sanctifying those who He has called and are pursuing Him?
Unity within the body extends past my perception of what "body" should mean (my desired worship preference, my preferred means of service ministry, age range) and to those who are rooted in Christ in many different statuses of life. God does great works in those who seek Him and love Him.
Ephesians 4:4-7 ~ "There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
Think of the body of believers that you belong to. It may be a church, a small Bible study, a campus ministry, a group of friends. It is amazing to see that within each there are distinct and separate giftings, but God uses each gifting for His benefit....and mine. God uses these different people who are all under the same calling and who were saved and blessed through Christ's sacrifice and the santifying work of the Spirit. This distinct gifting by the grace of God benefits me in that though I may not be burdened to being the Gospel to children, to foreign countries, or to the modern workplace other people have been given the burden and opportunity to do so. God allows us to come into intimate contact with those who have pursued Him decades before we were born and who He has more than adequately equipped to disciple us. He places us in the midst of those who have an earnest passion for things that we have no desire to learn or do. Yet, we avoid these people, when we should not.
So the question come to the forefront, "How do I support the other portions of the body of Christ?" I should seek to support the work of Christ in any means (whether money, time, effort, prayer) that I have at my disposal. I have not been called to be specialized and quarantined to my comfortable preferences. I have been called to go to all the people and nations, identifying them with the Father, and teaching them His Word. Do not shrink back, do not become timid...you have been gifted...you have been blessed....you have been given a spirit of power, love and discipline.
Romans 15:5-6 ~ "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
