Different Gifts

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-13

When Marshall and Nathan came home from school, Marshall went to his room, but his twin bounded into the kitchen. “I got all A’s on my report card,” Nathan announced.

“Good for you!” Mom said, giving him a hug. She looked around. “Where’s Marshall?” When Nathan shrugged, Mom went and tapped on the twins’ bedroom door. “Marshall? Can I come in?”

“I guess so,” came the muffled reply. “I guess you want to see my report card.” Without looking at his mom, Marshall handed it to her.

Mom took the paper and looked at it. “Mostly B’s, just one C, and even an A!” she said with enthusiasm. “You did well, Marshall. I know how hard you worked for those grades.”

“Nathan got all A’s,” Marshall replied. “I didn’t even come close to making the honor roll.”

“No, but making the honor roll isn’t the most important thing in life.” Mom sat down next to Marshall. “I’m proud of both you and Nathan. You’re twins, but you’re very different, and that’s a good thing. Nathan loves to read and study. You, on the other hand, are—”

“Stupid!” Marshall blurted.

“You certainly are not!” Mom exclaimed. “You’re smart too.” She put a hand on Marshall’s shoulder. “When his bike was broken, who fixed it?”

“I did,” said Marshall with a shrug. “But there wasn’t much wrong with it.”

“Last Christmas, we gave Nathan a chess game, and we gave you a set of tools, remember? Did it make you mad that we didn’t give you both the same thing?”

“Of course not,” said Marshall. “We wouldn’t even want the same things.”

“No, so we gave you different gifts. God gives His children different gifts too. Nathan is gifted in school-related subjects, but you have abilities he doesn’t have. Don’t think less of your talents just because they’re not the same as Nathan’s. God created each of you the way you are, and He loves you both regardless of what you can do—and so do I. Thank Him for the gifts He’s given you, and use them to help others.”

Marshall was silent for a moment. “I told Peter next door I’d change the tire on his bike,” he finally said. “Can I go do that now?” Smiling, Mom nodded. -Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do you compare your abilities to those of others? Do you wish you were a math whiz, a basketball star, or an amazing singer just because you have a sibling or friend who’s one of those things? Remember that God has not given everyone the same gifts. He’s given us different abilities so we can share His love with others in our own special way. So do your best at whatever you do, knowing Jesus loves you just the way you are.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 4:10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be yourself