May 11th, 2020

                             “Completed by Another”
 
                     …every man has his gift from God, one after this manner and another after that.    -  I Corinthians 7:7
 
     I remember several years ago of watching, with great interest, a national track event sponsored by the University of Tennessee. I was amazed at the physical diversity of the athletes. Runners, jumpers, pole-vaulters, hurdlers, throwers of discus, javelin and many others. Men and women who were superstars in their specialty event, yet, who probably could not be remotely competitive in any of the other events.
 
     I watched records being set in the shot put, by superstars who had built extreme muscle mass in their upper bodies, muscle mass that would hinder and embarrass them if they decided to compete in the high jump. Yet each excelled in his specialized area.
 
     Is this not the vision that Christ had for the Church as given in I Corinthians chapter 12? This wonderful chapter tells us that, at the time of salvation,  the Holy Spirit has uniquely gifted each individual Christian. He purposely made us different, that together, we might fully accomplish His will; glorify the name of Christ, and working together fully meet the needs of His Church.
 
     Our diversity, which is often the source of great controversy, is not our weakness but our strength. God never intended for any person to be a complete, comprehensive package, able to do everything. He said at the beginning, “It is not good for man to be alone.” The individual can only accomplish a small part, together, we can complete the whole. I’m made, I’m gifted, I’m conditioned for my event.
 
     Our prayer should be that the Father would give us the wisdom to know our gift and the courage to wisely use it for His glory. To fully, through His mercy and grace, appreciate it and not be envious or critical of others and their gifts.  Together we can fully accomplish God's will. 
 
     Then, and only then, will be reach our potential and ultimately, together,  bring the body of Christ to full maturity. What a display, for all to see, of God's glory working in and through each of us.
 
-  Pastor Rudy