Devotional from Drew Barton September 27, 2023

One of my favorite scripture passages is 1^st Corinthians 12. Through the years, I have found myself sharing this scripture with people as often as possible. Why is that? The reason I do is because these words have brought me so much hope in my Christian walk that I hope it does the same for others.

Recently, I’ve been focused on 1^st Corinthians 12: 4-7 which says, “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. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” It is a powerful feeling to know that God gives you a specific gift and through that gift, God is transforming you as well as shining the Light of Christ through you.

In my role as Director of Youth Ministries and Community Connections, I get to see these verses at work every single week within our congregation. Over the last few weeks, I have witnessed students in our youth ministry sharing their gifts through soccer games, school band performances, football games, golf matches, cheer performances and other school events. When they aren’t participating in extracurricular activities, they are leading worship at youth group and being a voice on the mission and outreach team.

Speaking of the mission and outreach team, just this past month I have witnessed people using their gifts in multiple ways such as preparing and serving a meal at Howard, preparing a meal at Mustard Tree, chopping wood at Firewood ministry, and knitting a shawl at the Prayer Shawl Ministries.

Church members are utilizing their gifts and talents everyday and God’s love is being shared. As we continue moving through this week, take a second to look around and see how people around you are using their gifts. I am sure it will give you hope and peace to see God’s love displayed by so many people. It sure does give me hope.