I love to make a pot of soup. Yesterday I was in my glory! A little beef, onions, celery, carrots, parsnips, turnip and barley — all simmering away in beef broth and consommé. Zip up the flavor with a little Worcestershire, salsa, red wine and seasoning. In a couple hours it will taste so good!

But I hear you saying, this is not a recipe blog . . . and right you are! Yet I’m thinking about the beautiful blend of flavors in a delicious pot of homemade soup. None of those ingredients taken alone could measure up. How about one chunk of raw turnip? Not for me. Or a bowl of plain beef broth. Not so tasty. Reminds me of a hospital liquid diet – not exactly a culinary delight.

A beautiful band of Christians working together in a warm, welcoming, caring church is very much the same. Individually we have our limits. But melded together – the result is a joy to see!

Maybe you’re the carrot – with gifts that are simple but the basic necessity of the group. Or maybe you’re the Worcestershire sauce – a little feisty on your own, but you add life and spark to the group as a whole. Think about it, we’re here together – all “in the same pot” so to speak. Together we can create something beautiful, if we each add our own special talent.

Don’t underestimate your own talent – whatever gifts God has given you, He needs them in His church. Likewise, don’t look down on anyone else’s talents.  Each of us is uniquely blessed – each of us is needed. St. Paul speaks this message in his letter to the Romans.

What can you add? Remember, you are so special to your heavenly Father, that He loves you unconditionally!

Judy

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:3-8