As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
– 1 Peter 4:10

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

God is righteous. He gives every brother or sister different gifts and skills. Thus, brothers and sisters perform different functions in the church. Some of them are church leaders guiding other brothers and sisters to read God’s words at meetings, some spread the gospel, some offer hospitality, etc. Brothers and sisters can minister and provide to each other, and everyone should offer up their share for the church’s work. Such an arrangement is for the normal functioning of the church’s work, the church members’ life growth and the interests of the church. However, many people judge brothers and sisters according to their duty and seniority. They think that leaders are higher in status than brothers and sisters who offer hospitality. This kind of perspective is not after God’s will, because we are all creatures of God with equal status. In the church, we should do whatever we can to support and help each other. Whether we are old or young, leaders or followers, as long as we pursue life and seek to love and obey God, then we are pleasing to the Lord, just as God says, “God lifts the needy from dust, where the humble are made high. I will use My wisdom in all its forms to govern the universal church, to govern all nations and all peoples, so that they are all within Me, and so that all of you in the church might submit to Me. Those who did not obey before must now be obedient before Me, must submit to each other, forbear with each other, have interconnected lives, and love one another, all drawing on others’ strong points to offset their own weaknesses, serving in coordination. In this way will the church be built, and Satan will have no opportunity to exploit. Only then will My management plan not have failed. Let Me give you another reminder here. Do not allow misunderstandings to arise in you because such-and-such person is a certain way, or acted in such-and-such a way, letting you become decadent in spirit. As I see it, this is not appropriate, and it is a worthless thing. Is the One you believe in not God? It is not some person. The functions are not the same. There is one body. Each does his duty, each in his place and doing his very best—for each spark there is one flash of light—and seeking maturity in life. Thus will I be satisfied.”