Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but 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.”
NL Daily Devotion for Friday, September 10, 2021
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
It takes all kinds to be the Body of Christ. We have such a tendency to rank people’s abilities on some unspoken scale. The showier a person’s gifts, the more likely we are to say they are “talented” or “gifted.” The less obvious gifts go unremarked and unconsciously labeled less important. Truly understanding the profound truth of God’s activation of each and every person’s abilities requires us to be intentional about acknowledging such things.
I’m someone with fairly showy gifts. I sing, I act, I’ve preached, led kids in all these activities, etc. But you know what I’m terrible at? People. I’m socially awkward, an introvert, and my constantly roving brain makes it hard for me to be still and just listen to someone. I’ve always been in awe of people who can make others feel like they’re the most important person in the universe while they’re talking together. My best friend has this gift. When I told her that the other day, she was deeply moved—she had not thought of this as a talent she possesses. Yet without people like her, a faith community would be sorely lacking.
To each of us is given the manifestation of the Spirit—real, tangible gifts and talents—for the common good. What a beautiful truth!
What gifts has the Holy Spirit manifested in me for the common good?