“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” ~ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:7-11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The gifts of the Spirit are given to us to help the body of Christ operate at full potential. When each of us contribute our Holy Spirit given gifts, we edify the church. These gifts are not for individual gloating or to compare ourselves to others. They are given to us by God for the betterment of His church. We must seek to advance the whole, not the part.

A wheel on a car doesn't brag about its ability to make the car roll down the road, it simply does it's designed function. All the parts of a car work together to make the vehicle function to its peak potential. If the battery goes dead, the car is rendered powerless. In the same way, we should all be striving to operate at peak potential with the gifts and calling that God has placed on each of us. The church is comprised of each and every born again believer. When we got saved, we immediately became a member of God's church. As a member, we have a place and part to fill. It is much more than attending a church service and going home. We need to get involved in the advancement of the body. Others are depending upon our active, healthy function for the overall performance and success of the whole. Then, and only then, can the church rise up as the powerhouse it is intended to be.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, fill me with the Holy Spirit and allow me the distinct honor of serving your body, the church.