July 21

There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. — 1 Cor 12:4 BSB

People differ greatly in their gifts and abilities. This is part of God’s design. If everyone had the same gifts, certain kinds of work would be overdone, while others would be left undone. But since there are so many different things that need to be done, there is a variety of abilities among people, ensuring that every task has the right person to accomplish it.

Our capacity for usefulness is not random. “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” We must always remember that our abilities are a gift from God. This should keep us from envying others who may seem to have more impressive talents.

God gave them their gifts, and He gave us ours. He had a specific purpose—He wanted us to do a certain type of work, just as He had different work for others. Our job is simply to make the most of the gifts we’ve been given and do our work to the best of our ability.