I Corinthians 12:5 “There are different ways to serve. But they all come from the same Lord.”
My job was to document the youth group’s trip to Mexico and my goal was to make sure each child was represented in photograph. Simple job – or at least I thought so. But perusing through the plethora of photographs each evening made one thing quite clear: Some children live in the spotlight and others abide in the shadows.
Apostles and brothers, Peter and Andrew, remind me of that youth group. Although business partners, each brother differed in temperament and talents, but they found unity by using their distinctive gifts in ministering to Jesus. Peter served out-loud while Andrew served in the quietness of the day to day.
Peter epitomized spotlight-ministry, demonstrating some the most ambitious acts of bravery as well as the greatest colossal fails. Peter was the boisterous one, the spontaneous fighter, and the outspoken advocate. It was Peter whom a crucified and risen Savior summoned by name. And it was a spirit-filled Peter who stood before the crowds on Pentecost and mightily preached the resurrection to the Jews. It doesn’t get more spotlight than that!
However, nothing you just read would have happened without the quiet spirit of Andrew. It was Andrew who brought Peter, the loud one, to the Messiah. Without his introduction, all the boisterous kingdom-works of Peter would have been lost. Andrew must have been the approachable one for others came to him seeking Jesus. Although we think of Andrew as ministering in the shadows, the major role he played in the story of the Messiah cannot be argued.
Most of us fall into one of these two categories. We may do whatever it takes to get the job done, utilizing our talents in an out-loud, in-the-spotlight fashion. Or we may serve Jesus with a quiet demeanor, behind the scenes, lifting and supporting those in the spotlight.
The good news is that our Father does not favor one talent above another. He created our entire array of abilities for His godly purposes. How sad to have a pot-luck meal where everyone showed up with only deviled eggs. Each guest would leave unsatisfied and hungry for more. In the same way, if we all brought to God’s table identical talents and personalities, those seeking Jesus would leave hungry for more.
In whatever way you minister, whether in the spotlight or the shadows, you are valuable to our Father. So, dear Sisters, persist mightily today remembering, “There are different ways to serve. But they all come from the same Lord.”
Father God, help us see our talents through your eyes. May we rejoice in using them to Your glory.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane