1 Chronicles 9:27-31 (The Message)
Being Levites, they were responsible for the security of all supplies and valuables in the house of God. They kept watch all through the night and had the key to open the doors each morning. Some were in charge of the articles used in The Temple worship — they counted them both when they brought them in and when they took them out. Others were in charge of supplies in the sanctuary — flour, wine, oil, incense, and spices. And some of the priests were assigned to mixing the oils for the perfume. The Levite Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was responsible for baking the bread for the services of worship. Some of the brothers, sons of the Kohathites, were assigned to preparing the bread set out on the table each Sabbath.

I love that this level of detail is included in our Bible. Even before the building of the Temple (which would happen under the reign of David’s son Solomon), its daily administration has been provided for. The duties recorded here are not glamorous, “center-stage” responsibilities, but they are very important, very necessary, very essential.

Our nephew William happily “mowing” the lawn.

What would happen if those who cared for a church’s grounds suddenly decided that their gifts weren’t necessary? We’d have trouble finding the path to the church as the grass grew into a field around it. What if the folks who run the technology determined that their role was dispensable? We’d have no lights, no sound, no video. Or if the hospitality teams decided they weren’t needed? There would be no one to greet worshippers and show new people around, and we’d have no coffee (*shudder*)!

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul talks about the many spiritual gifts given to the people of the church. He explains how all the gifts are important by using the metaphor of the body: “If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you'” (1 Corinthians 12:18-21).

God has given every person in the church gifts, talents, and passions. God has given you gifts! Your gifts might include compassion, serving, or faith. Or maybe teaching, giving, or leadership. Or perhaps creativity or musical ability or wisdom or communication or prophecy or administration. Or healing or preaching or… you get the point! God has provided gifts that cover every aspect of Christian community. That means every one of us has an important place in God’s kingdom.

Question:
How are your gifts and talents being used?