"You're Different!" May 2024
Have you ever been told that? Depending on what age a person is, that can be bad news or good news. Who wants to stand out like a sore thumb? Not many do… but our differences can be absolutely awesome! How can that be?! Hear me out… or rather, read me out…
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Paul talks about organs of the body and each member represents a part of the body of Christ that is equally as important as another when it comes to being a part of a healthy, functioning church.
Also, each of us has a set of differences that benefits others in a different, but equally important way. In the May/June issue of the North Pacific Union gleaner, John Freedman writes about Moses thinking he was not capable of answering God’s call to do lead the children of Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. God’s question was, “’What is that in your hand?’” [Exodus 4:2]…
“God has given gifts and talents to all humankind—to all nations, peoples and tongues—male and female, young and old, poor and rich… When we desire to be a blessing to God and others, the first place to look is the at what God has placed in our hands already.
What talent has He given you? What spiritual gift has He given you? What education has He blessed you with? What career or vocation has He given you? What skills have you learned in your work? What hobbies have you learned and enjoyed? What friends has He given you? What family members need God’s transforming power?”
In addition to these, all of us have the ability to be a friend, help someone out, listen to them, offer compassion and love. Where quoting Bible verses like a vending machine can be offensive to a non-believer or a former member, showing unconditional love and acceptance may bring down walls of prejudice and past trauma in the family or from a negative church experience. This type of service to others requires patience and consistency. I do realize that not everyone is cut out to do this type of thing.
And yes, I know that each of us has something going on that is challenging… I have a few “somethings.” Call someone and pray for each other. Give your failures, hurts, guilt, and shame to Christ and watch Him work in and through you. Jesus is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This promise is sure… “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20, 21) Then, watch the Divine appointments come and “taste and see that the LORD is good.” (Psalm 34:8) May God bless your comings and goings!