Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
It seems to me that one of God's chief characteristics is a love of variety. All of creation, from the plant kingdom to the animal kingdom to the mineral kingdom, reflect God's infinite love of variety. The same God who made a giraffe also made a single cell amoeba and also made us. As the psalmist put it, "We are fearfully and wonderfully made." In making each one of us unique and different from anyone else in the universe, God demonstrates his infinite preference for variety over sameness.
In this passage, Paul tells us that God has a purpose in giving us all different gifts, talents, and abilities. That purpose is so that we can use these gifts in a way that enhances all creation, is a benefit to others, and gives glory to God. In other words, the variety we see in people who are different from us is not a problem to God but a blessing that has been designed since the beginning of time. And it is the same Holy Spirit who activates and works through the varieties of people, talents, and abilities that help to manifest God's loving purposes for humanity.
Dear God, help me to see others as you see them, and let me use the gifts that you have given in my life to enhance creation, to serve others, and to give you the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
