Plugged into the Same Power Bar

Lining the counter between the oven and sink in my kitchen is a food processor, a toaster, a can opener, a mini blender and a crock pot. All of these small appliances are plugged into a power bar, ready to be used for the specific purpose for which they were designed. In addition to these five regularly plugged in appliances, I frequently bring out a hand blender, a stand mixer or a coffee/spice grinder which also serve unique purposes in the running of our kitchen. Together these items facilitate the preparation of meals for my family.

The common factor all of these uniquely fashioned appliances have in common is that they require a connection to the power source. Without being plugged in, the food processor does not slice, chop or blend. Without that same power source bread will not be browned into the crunchy toast and cans will not be opened. Soups and stews will not be warmed up and smoothies will remain simply a cup of fruits, veggies, liquids and powders. None of the benefits of these appliances can be attained without the power source that enables each motor to run as designed.

As members of the body of Christ, we each have been designed with a unique and specific purpose. Each one of us has a necessary function in the work of God's Kingdom. “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 not only designed differently from each other; we are charged to act differently according to the unique qualities God has placed in US. “[He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.” (Romans 12:6b-8 AMP)

Why then do we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves with each other? We may want others to act in the same ways we do. We may also feel as though we should be doing the same things as others are doing. Comparing ourselves to others is never wise. “However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.” (2 Corinthians 10:12b AMP) Both of these wrong attitudes stem from ignorance and cause foolishness.

Just as I need each of my appliances operating as they are designed, God's perfect plan to advance His kingdom requires each of us operating as He designed us to work. After listing different gifts and operations of the Holy Spirit Paul wrote,
“All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 AMP) God has chosen our purposes and the abilities that each of us has been given.

One thing all believers have in common is that we must remain connected to the power of the Holy Spirit. By His power the prophet can prophesy and the server can meet the practical needs of many. The teacher teaches and the exhorter brings encouragement for others to press on in their work. The giver can happily give and the tender hearted can extend mercy to bring healing to the hurting. We all need each other.  Before returning to heaven Jesus promised, “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP) Connected to the power offered freely from the Holy Spirit, we shall be an example of the love and power of God.

By operating in the manner that we have been created by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will show the love of God to others. Do not compete or envy. Simply plug into God’s abundant grace and power and whir away performing the tasks God has designed for you.