Tom and Jerry
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:17 (NIV)
I will start this devotion in the same way that Ellen Fannon (All God’s Creatures) started hers by saying: I’ve always wanted an orange cat. Back on the farm, we had one named Carrots. He was a big old Tom, that proved to be the best mouser in the world. There was no other feline like Carrots. Ellen explains how we should be grateful that we are all just a little different—and important.
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I’ve always wanted an orange cat. So when my two ancient felines died within months of each other, I found myself at the animal shelter, hoping the orange kitten advertised on its website was still available. To my surprise, two orange kittens, obviously littermates, were up for adoption. They looked exactly alike. Which one should I take? I sat on the floor to see which kitten would choose me. But that didn’t work either. Both kittens climbed all over me, begging to be “the chosen one.”
Finally, I told the attendant, “Just give me one. I can’t tell them apart, anyway.”
She replied, “If you take one, the second one is free.”
Free? Who could pass up a “buy one, get one” bargain like that?
So I ended up with two identical twins, Tom and Jerry, that I could tell apart only by their different-colored collars. As time went on, their individual personalities emerged, making it easier to identify them. Tom is the cuddler, Jerry the adventurer. Tom is quiet. Content to nap his day away, while Jerry is constantly looking for mischief. Although they look alike, they are unique with their own traits.
Christians also have unique traits. While we share many common attributes with fellow believers, we have individual gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit to be used for the good of the church. Some gifts are more obvious, such as teaching, whereas others may be less noticeable, such as serving in the background. Each believer has an important function in the work of God’s kingdom. Together we use our various gifts to build up the church and serve each other in order to live in purr-fect harmony.
Father, help me use the gifts You have given me for Your Glory. AMEN.