Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When my friend Lizzy and I share a bag of Randoms (the jelly sweets), it works out perfectly. I love the ones with the white bits on them. Lizzy hates them. She likes the plain jelly ones and I’m pretty cool towards those. So, our differences allow us to split the bag really well.
Differences between people don’t always work out as well as it may for sharing sweets. Sometimes the differences between people make us clash. But the Apostle Paul was insistent that each of us have different gifts and all are needed in the body of Christ. This means that we can’t all have one particular gift – no matter how much we may value that gift in others. All gifts are valued and God wants to ensure that we have all gifts needed to carry out his mission.
This summer, as I go on sabbatical, I will take the time to reflect on my gifts, especially in regards to evangelism. I will be working with Gillingham Youth for Christ in their work with teenagers from a completely non-church context. No doubt Lizzy and I will share many bags of Randoms, but it will also be a time to share our gifts with one another and sharpen my own. I invite you to take time this summer to reflect on your own gifts and ask, “Where is God calling me?” There is no one who is not needed. All have something to offer as God enables.
Have a great summer, and see you when I return!
Grace and peace
Will
