The Church

We need you to be a part of the church and exercise your gifts. We don't need you to act important. We don't need you to make demands for your own benefit. We don't need you to pull rank or put people in their places. We need you to be what God is making you. We need you to use your own gifts to challenge us to do the same. We need you to exercise your gifts in a way that shows us the strength, beauty, mercy, courage, help, endurance, correction, wisdom, holiness, and care of Jesus Christ.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (1 Cor 12:4-7).

But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together (1 Cor 12:24-26)

Father, help us get over ourselves. Help us get over our fears and help us get over our little pet ideas that matter very little and cause great damage. Show us how to use our gifts. Open our eyes to the needs that are around us. Help not ask what we can get out of the church but how we can use our gifts for the good of the church. Help us show Christ to others. Help me show Christ to others.

In HIs name
Amen