SOAP Daily Devotional: We were intended to work together

When I’m not reading through the Bible in 90 Days, I use this reading plan to keep me in the Word daily. If you aren’t already following a daily plan, or you are between plans, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Just jump in on today’s date.

Today’s Reading: Job 37-38, 1 Corinthians 12

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Observation:

Each of us has gifts given to us by God. By combining these gifts, we can work together for the good of everyone.

Application:

There are some things I can do well, and there are a lot of things I’m not so good at. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give new skills a try, but it also means that no, I  CANNOT DO IT ALL and my Creator NEVER INTENDED FOR ME TO DO IT ALL.

(I am sorry if the caps are bugging you. The emphasis is mostly for me.)

So often I want to jump in and do everything. But that is not how the Lord intended it to be. He gave me gifts. He gave you gifts. It is up to us to grow those gifts and use them for all. It is not up to us to burn ourselves out. It is up to us to work together, leaning on each other, allowing others to jump in, while using our own distinctive gifts to their full force.

I need your efforts and gifts. And you need mine.

Let’s work together.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for creating each of us as unique individuals. Yes, I’ll admit, sometimes I wish everyone did things just as I do them. But you (and I) know that is not the best way. And I sure need a lot of help from others who have different gifts than the ones you gave me.

Please, Lord, guide each of us as we recognize the gifts you gave us, and the gifts you gave others in our lives. Help us to work together, maximizing the unique abilities you gave each of us.

Help us to perform as one unified body, working for you. Help us to be a symphony to your ears, rather than a lot of soloists jockeying for position, burning out on our own, or even soloists who never realize the beauty of our songs because they were meant to be combined and never be alone.

Please, Lord, guide me in recognizing and appreciating the gifts in others. Help me to be an encourager and a team player on your team.

Show me what I am to do and how I am to lean on others. And help me to be worthy of others leaning on me, as well.

Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you generously give. Thanks for this reminder that it is NOT all up to me. And thank you for the gift of community.