A coworker of mine asked if I would like some fresh
tomatoes from her garden. I enthusiastically responded, “Yes, my cherry
tomatoes are ripening but my other tomatoes are still green.” That day she
brought me a bag of beautiful tomatoes. Many were perfect for slicing and
putting on a burger or other sandwich. They also made beautiful fresh tomatoes
to put on the homemade pizza my husband and son were planning to make.
In response to her generosity, I grabbed a few of the
cucumbers that were plentifully ripening in my garden. When I asked if she
would like them she responded, “Yes, my cucumbers have not done well this year.”
As we discussed our respective gardens, both of us shared the disappointment of
zucchini plants that had not done well. My plant had withered while we were on
vacation. There would be no zucchini from my garden this year. Although her
plants had survived, only a few, small zucchinis were being produced. Both of
us had experienced a surplus of zucchini in the past but were not doing well
this year.
In the spiritual realm, interactions like this occur
all the time. God gives and develops gifts and callings in our lives in different
areas and on different timetables. He purposely does this so that we all need
and can bless each other and the world. “So we, numerous as we are, are one
body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another
[mutually dependent on one another]. Having gifts (faculties, talents,
qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them:” (Romans 12:5-6a AMP) We are to work in unity, each using the gifts God
has given us. Working together has great benefit for all. “Two are better than one, because they have
a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 AMP)
If I would spend my time looking at Marci’s garden and
bemoaning the fact that my tomatoes were still green, I would miss the blessing
of the wonderful tasting tomatoes she brought me. Jealousy is very dangerous to
the Christian soul. “For wherever there is jealousy
(envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be
confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.” (James
3:16 AMP) We can become arrogant when we are not happy for the good God places
in others. Instead we should always be happy for our brothers and sisters in
Christ. “Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and
weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish,
high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks.
Never overestimate yourself or
be wise in your own conceits.” (Romans 12:15-16 AMP)
This attitude will keep us both humble and open for the plans God has for us.
The New Testament includes several instructions about
relating with fellow believers. “Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also
each for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4 AMP) We do this
through encouragement. “Therefore encourage (admonish,
exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as
you are doing.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP) When others
see us resisting the impulse to be jealous, but rather loving and encouraging
each other, they will see the love of Jesus. “By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love
one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John
13:35 AMP)
We can respond to another’s fortune and generosity, by sharing what God
has blessed us with. “As each of you has received a gift
(a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one
another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards
of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited
favor].” (1 Peter 4:10 AMP) All can be done with
thankfulness. “And let the peace
(soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your
hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your
minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you
were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to
God always].” (Colossians 3:15 AMP)
When there are still areas of lack (like
our zucchinis) we can trust God to bring another into our lives to fill in the
gap. God will always provide abundantly in His own time. “And my God will liberally
supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in
Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP)
We always look to God, grateful for the work He is doing through those who are
in our lives and expectant of all that is to come.
If you see strengths and gifts in others
today, be grateful and encourage them. Also use what God has given you to bless
all around you.
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