July 21

There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. — 1 Cor 12:4

People differ greatly in their gifts and capacities. It is wisely ordered that they do. If all had the same gifts, one kind of work would be overdone and other kinds would not be done at all. But as there are countless things needing to be done, so there is the greatest variety in the abilities of people, and thus there is a hand for every task.

The capacity for usefulness that we have is not accidental. “To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.” We should never forget that our ability is god’s gift to us. This ought to save us from envying others who have abilities that seem more brilliant than ours.

God gave them their capacities and God gave us ours. He had a reason – He wanted us to do a certain kind of work, to fill a certain place, and He had another place and work for them. All we need to do is to make the most of the ability God has given us, and to do the best work we can do.