Devotional Messages

I Corinthians 12:4-7 – 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 them all in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (NRSV)

Vista La Mesa Christian Church is a congregation of hard workers.  There are a lot of people who do a lot of different things to sustain the ministries of our church.  Many different gifts, many different services, many different activities, and they’re all focused on “the common good,” building up the Body of Christ in love.  Many of these servant-leaders will be installed into formal offices in worship this Sunday.  We give thanks for their generous gifts of time and talent.

The verses above from First Corinthians will be read as part of the installation liturgy.  One of the most important parts of the installation charge that is read to all those accepting formal roles of leadership is:  “Serious commitment to one’s own spiritual development is a part of this role, both for your own sake and as an example for other members of the congregation, so that the basic Christian disciplines of worship, prayer, study and stewardship become an integral part of your being.”

This is essential to remember.  We can’t just be First Church of Hard Work.  Yes, this is a place for people who want to be involved, but not simply for the sake of being active.  Yes, some folks express their love more easily through physical labor than in Bible study, but that doesn’t mean any of us should neglect to study scripture.  Some of us may wash dishes more readily than we can find words for prayer, but that doesn’t let us off the hook from seeking God’s guidance and inspiration for our lives.