Different Gifts

Romans 12:6 -8 (The Message) In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pride fully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

The church, the body of Christ, is made up of many different parts. We are each anointed, gifted and called to be and do what God created us to do. In a physical body, nothing else can do what a little toe can do. Nothing else can do what a nose can do. A finger can't see, and an eye can't touch, but they each have significant value and contribution to the good of the whole body. In the same way, God has not created you to be Joel Osteen, Billy Graham or Oral Roberts. He has not called you to be Kirk Cameron, George Foreman or Chris Tomlin. He has created and called you to be you! To compare ourselves with each other rather than to Christ is not wise. For example, you shouldn't be criticized for not doing it Joel's way any more than Joel should be criticized for not doing it your way. We are each unique, and God has called you to be You for such a time as this. Your time is now. Be all you can be for God, but remember to be yourself with your identity in Christ, not who the world says you should be.

May God Bless you EXCEEDINGLY, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL YOU CAN ASK OR THINK!