The Same Source of Power

PRAY OVER THIS

“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. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

 

PONDER THIS

When Joyce and I got married, we got all kinds of gifts, as do many couples when they get married. It’s a custom. These gifts might include waffle irons, blenders, toasters, can openers, and coffee makers. All these items have different functions. But they all have to be plugged in; they don’t operate without power. It’s the same power that operates them all, but they all have different functions and different capacities. That is what Paul is saying about the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have different capacities and different functions, but it is the same Spirit. We’re all plugged into Him. What you need to do is to plug in your spiritual gift. Your ministry is your place of service, but God is the source of life for us all; He is the source of power for every gift.

God doesn’t want us all to be alike. We’re not a congregation of clones. God makes us different. Unity is not uniformity—everybody doing the same thing. Unity comes from the life of the Spirit within. We all share the same Holy Spirit, and we all have unique gifts to be used for His glory.

When have you sought to use a spiritual gift in your own strength—without relying on the Holy Spirit?

How have you pursued unity in your church? How can you do so further?

PRACTICE THIS

Think about someone you have had a difficult time getting along with in your church. What would it look like to have unity of the Spirit with that person? Pursue unity in one practical way this week.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers