Ministry
There are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of ministries, and yet the same Lord. There are various kinds of activity, but the same God, who produces all of them in everyone.
Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one person a message of wisdom is given by the Spirit; to another, a message of knowledge, as the same Spirit provides it; by the same Spirit, faith is given to someone else; and to another, the same Spirit gives healing gifts. Another is given powers to do miracles; another, the gift of prophecy; another, the evaluating of spirits; someone else, different kinds of tongues; and another, the interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them to each one individually as he desires.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+12&version=EHV>
The preceding passage from St Paul is the lectionary reading for this Sunday. I am not sure if it is “New year, new you” syndrome or something else, but I have been thinking a lot about “gifts and ministry” lately. Here Paul gives a list of “various kinds of gifts” given by “the Spirit for the common good.” However, it is not until next week that the pericopes let Paul tell us about ministries.
You are the body of Christ, and individually you are members of it. And God appointed in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then miracles, healing gifts, helpful acts, leadership abilities, kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? Do all have healing gifts? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly seek the greater gifts.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2012&version=EHV>
Again, it will be yet another week before Paul is going to show us a more excellent way. (You can always read ahead…)
What are your gifts? What are your ministries? A much better line of inquiry may be: What do my trusted members of the Body of Christ see as my gifts and how to apply them to ministry for the Body. I am still exploring the possibilities.
What does the worker gain from his hard work? I have seen the task which God has given the children of Adam to keep them busy. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Yes, he has also put eternity in their hearts, yet it is not possible for man to understand the work that God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy good things while they live. Also, when anyone eats, drinks, and experiences the good things that his hard work leads to—this is God’s gift.
I know that everything God does will last forever. Nothing can be added to it or taken away from it.
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3&version=EHV>
Did you catch what I did there? “I am still exploring the possibilities” yet, “It is not possible to understand the work that God has done!” I want to rely on my own self examination and understanding; God, be merciful to me, a sinner! (Luke 18:13) There is a Luther quote that applies here: “Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly.”
I will still be thinking of gifts and ministries and rejoicing in Jesus! All for the common good, the Body of Christ.
Trust the Promises,
Steve Skiver