Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but it is the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Everyone is gifted. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God gives each and every person a unique personality, distinctive abilities, particular talents, and special strengths.
God's people are richly blessed and graciously equipped for a purpose - serve others. Varieties of gifts are given "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). In a word, our gifts are to be used in 'ministry.'
St. Paul writes: Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness (Romans 12:6-8, RSV). Ministry is the grateful use of our God-given gifts for the sake of others.
Peter puts it this way: As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace; whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11, RSV).
The writer of Ephesians calls us to use our gifts in service of others and in up-building the Church. Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift, he writes. And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:7, 11-12, RSV).
Ministry is the use of gifts received from God for the sake of the entire church body and the welfare of all people. Ministry is all God's people serving in the Church and in God's world.
Almighty God, by your Spirit you bless each of us with gifts. Receive our thanks for these varied manifestations of the Spirit. Enable us to employ them to your glory, to the service of others, and to the building up of the Church; for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.
Contributed by Dick
Sunday November 9, 2008
Liturgical Year A Week 50
Sunday Gospel reading:
Lectionary 32 (Proper 27)
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost