March 9
"...that none of you may be puffed up
on
behalf of one against the other.
For
who makes you differ from another?
And
what do you have that you did not receive?
1
Corinthians 4:6-7
Every gift, every talent, every ability,
that each individual has ...was GIVEN to him/her.
If it was
given, then it didn't arise from one's self. Bring thanksgiving to
God who gave it, therefore, and use it with all your heart for his
glory.
If you understand that it was given you, do not expect
others to walk in the same gifting or ability or perspective that you
have.
Operating in your gifts or talents "comes
naturally." It's where you shine. It's your thing. The problem
then, is that because it "comes naturally," you expect
others to see things as you see them, and that won't work.
People
are drawn to others of like mind, interests, and perspectives. But we
must be careful to value those who do not have the same mind or
interests or perspective as we have.
Do you have a friend
whose walk with the Lord differs from yours? Do not try to influence
him/her to see things as you do. It won't work and truly understanding that will prevent unreasonable expectations of others.
Truly understanding that can stop arguments and bring each to
actually place tremendous value on the gifts and callings of each
member of the body of Christ even when, especially when, they differ
from yours.
"There are diversities 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."
1
Corinthians 12:4-6
Let us love those who are different from us
and appreciate their differences, bringing glory to God for their
gifts as well as our own.
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