“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7

We Need Each Other

This morning I looked around my home, and it occurred to me that every single thing existed because someone else had the idea for it, invented it, tried and failed and tried again to create it, finally succeeded, then marketed it and sold it. Then I, for some reason, got it in my head that I needed or wanted it, and worked to earn the money for it (thus contributing my labors for the benefit of the general economy), and purchased it and brought it into my home. Or in the case of the food on my table, someone loved gardening, or farming, or ranching, and made that their life’s work. Or in the case of artistic endeavors, someone wrote the book, painted the picture, photographed the landscape or people, recorded the music, or otherwise pursued their passion. Somehow, it all landed in my world.

This is stating the obvious, I know. But when I realize that everything came from someone else in another time and place, because of their own life work, their own dreams and desires, bents and traits and giftings, I suddenly understand the Scriptures that explain how much we need each other. Very few people can “live off the grid.” Very few of us can or want to live completely independently, raising animals and making our clothing from their skin or wool, growing every single thing we eat, and building or making each item we use throughout the day.

This understanding is crucial to the Church body. The Spirit gives each of us gifts as He wills. God gives each of us individual ministries, callings, and works to do. If one of us drops out, or doesn’t do as God has asked, then we, and others, are missing something that God intended us to have. There is richness, fullness, and beauty that come when we each seek the Lord for our part in His kingdom plan, and then go in His strength and do it. (However, may we never be guilty of assuming that if we don’t do our part, it won’t happen—God is more than able to take up our slack or appoint someone else to the work if He will to. But we miss out on the blessings and fulfillment of obedience.)

Do you know your part, your calling? Have you backed off from doing it? Or are you going ahead in the strength of the Lord, doing all to the glory of God?

We all need you.

“Gracious God, help us to be willing to be a part of each others’ lives, that we all may profit. In the precious Name of Christ, Amen.”