Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
“When we give up our desires to be outstanding or different, when we let go of our needs to have our own special niches in life, when our main concern is to be the same, and to live out this sameness in solidarity, we are then able to see each other’s unique gifts. Gathered together in common vulnerability, we discover how much we have to give each other.
The Christian community is the opposite of a highly uniform group of people whose behavior has been toned down to a common denominator and whose originality has been dulled. On the contrary, the Christian community, gathered in common discipleship, is the place where individual gifts can be called forth and put into service for all.”
Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 77.
It was great to see family, even if it was only for a few days. By God’s grace, we made the 18 hour drive back from California to Colorado safely. We plan to quarantine for 14 days.
I’m excited to have my first GTP staff meeting today with the addition of Matthew Gadsden, CFO & Strategy Catalyst, from Adelaide, Australia.
The key for this service to all vision to break forth is understanding the distinction between common denominator and common discipleship.
When unity is based on a few overlapping likes or interests (common denominator), we will largely remain divided and only parts of us will be celebrated and accepted.
But when our unity is based on who we are in Christ (common discipleship), then the diversity of each person is appreciated with love. It’s fun to watch the GTP team take shape.
Five people from five countries with unique gifts. Pray that through common vulnerability and solidarity, we can learn how much we have to give each other and for service to all.