May 31, 2021: SOAP #4197:  Proverbs 16-18: Romans 12

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

OBSERVATION: The value of each member of the body is found in its differences.  If all the members were the same, any other member could replace any member and the value would diminish.  When there is only one member able to do something specific, the value of that member increases. 

The beauty of a choir is in the blending of different voices.  The beauty of a garden is in the different colors.  The beauty of a sunset is in the different colors.  A good leader recognizes the differences in people and assigns tasks that will help them to succeed. 

APPLICATION:  I rob God of His enjoyment of my differences when I try to be just like everybody else.  Instead of blaming God for not making me like someone else, I need to discover the unique opportunities I have because of my differences. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me to recognize and utilize my differences.  May God have joy is seeing me live and serve with the differences He put in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!