1 Corinthians 12

1 Corinthians 12 – Tuesday

I have done some serious studying of the Gifts and while I still am growing in my own understanding I have come to realize this, that we are called to ABIDE in Christ. John spoke about abiding and producing fruit that is lasting. This is where I want to focus. I think often times we spend too much time on the gifts and forget the purpose of them.

For each of us has been given a gift of the spirit. It is something God has equipped us with in order to edify the body.

“ Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are a varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.”

Have you ever noticed this before: Varieties of Gifts, Varieties of Ministries, Varieties of Effects? I have always seen Gifts, Ministries but for the first time TODAY I see Effects!

This is where I am! WOW! How cool is that? – I know I have been gifted, I know I have a ministry to be used in, but have I stopped to realize the Effect, I will have if I am using these in accordance to Gods will?

Maybe some of you are seeing this for the first time. You know how important effect is? I think about electricity. The effect of this powerful thing can have a positive or negative effect. We enjoy the positive but if any of us have had the negative experience, I think we can honestly say, once is enough! Or our effect on our families. My children are effected by my lack of mothering, my husband is effected by how I support him. Our ministry is effected by our lack of imitating Christ or doing things in our will rather than His.

Yet another verse that needs further pondering. How might I need to imitate Christ and abide in Him so that my gifts can have the proper effect they need to have to impact those around me in a positive way.

Lord, I come before you realizing I don’t always pay attention to the Effect I have on people. I do desire to be positive and how fitting this passage is for me this week as I have looked at how to be a better imitator of Your son Jesus Christ. I pray for us all this week that we would become ever mindful of our Effect on others as we use our gifts, in ministry.
Grow us and change us forever to be more like You!
In Christ Name I pray!
Amen!