NOVEMBER 9, 1 Corinthians 12:27

Rachel watched as Mom tied the sash of Kay’s sparkly new dress and handed her a basket of flower petals. “It’s not fair,” Rachel muttered. She had never got to be a flower girl in a wedding, but her little sister had been picked for that job in Aunt Jessica’s wedding. “All I get to do is stand at the door and hand out programmes,” continued Rachel.

Mom frowned. “Rachel,” she said, “please stop whining.” “I’m not whining,” insisted Rachel, but she could not make herself smile. It is just not fair! she thought again. “Come here and see Aunt Jessica’s flowers,” said Mom. Rachel walked over to the beautiful bouquet on the table. There were white roses and pink tulips, fragrant lilies, and dainty violets. “Which flower is the prettiest?” asked Mom. Rachel studied them. “I like all of them,” she said. “It’s hard to pick one.”

“I agree. There are so many different kinds of flowers, and it takes all of them to make up the bouquet,” Mom said with a smile. “Can you imagine the tulip crying because it doesn’t smell like the rose? Or the violet being upset because it’s smaller than the lily?” “No!” Rachel shook her head.

“That would be silly, wouldn’t it?” asked Mom.“Well, like flowers, people are all different. They have a variety of jobs to do, and each is important.” Rachel glanced up. “You want me to stop being mad that I can’t be a flower girl, don’t you?”

Mom nodded. “If you and Kay were both flower girls, who would greet the guests? Both jobs are needed, so be content with the one you have.” Mom gave Rachel a hug. “In the Bible, God points out that various parts of our physical bodies have different jobs, and all are needed. All the different jobs given to members of the body of Christ are needed too. The things God has for you to do won’t be exactly the same as those He has for Kay, but whatever God gives you to do is important.”

“Like smiling while I greet everyone who comes to the wedding?” asked Rachel.

“Okay, I’ll smile,” promised Rachel. And she did.

Thought: Are you content to do the things God gives you to door are you jealous of others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me not to be jealous but to know that all of us are given different spiritual gifts to serve You. Help me to be happy for others when they do well! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.