The Roamin' Chariot
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 12:1-7
To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7
The Holy Spirit works in and through the lives of believers by means of spiritual gifts for building God's kingdom. The Bible mentions many spiritual gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, service, craftsmanship, teaching, and more. No one receives all the gifts, and everyone has at least one. For example, one person may have the gift of wisdom, another the gift of teaching, and so on. The Spirit gives all these gifts for the common good, so that everyone may work together as the church, the body of Christ, in this world. But people sometimes focus on gifts they don't have, and they let themselves get discouraged. They compare themselves to others and say, “I don't have the gift she has, so I'm no good at all.” I'm inspired by two men at my church, Henry and Michael, who live with physical challenges. They could dwell on what they can't do, but they don't. Both of them are good behind the wheel of a car. So they began a transportation ministry that they call “Roamin' Chariot.” Michael even has the name printed across the front of his Chevy van. Both of them give rides to people who need to go to doctor's appointments and so on. They have the gift of service and use their gift for God's glory and for building God's kingdom. So why not follow their example? Focus on what you can do, and use that gift for God!
O God who has gifted me, fill me with an eager desire to use my gifts in service to you and for the good of your people. In the Spirit's power and in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
About the author — Mark Stephenson
Rev. Mark Stephenson is the Director of Disability Concerns for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Previously he served in two congregations in Michigan. He and his wife have four children.
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