Mixed Nuts

November 26

Snacking on a bag of fruit/nut mix I told my husband life certainly did work well for us as a couple. The sunflower seeds, cranberries and raisins were most appealing to me, while he only wanted the big almonds in the bag. Together we weren't wasting a thing, but complimented one another with our differences. He said, "We are a nutty mix!" God created each of us with various gifts, personalities, likes and dislikes. Like everything He does, he has a purpose in His plan.

The Message translation of the Bible has a great message for us concerning our uniqueness and the responsibility we have to handle our gifts with care!

Romans 12:4-8 In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.

If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

Let's Pray: Jesus, people certainly saw you as nutty! Praise God we can say we see You as the ultimate gift and Giver of Gifts! While millions of people around the world are out gift shopping on this day titled "Black Friday" prod us to take inventory of our spiritual gifts and how we are using them. Also, help us to love the people we see in this world as "nuts". That feat becomes more attainable when we realize they are Your precious creations and have a purpose. Where we are weak, help us realize and give thanks that quite often You put someone in our path who is strong in that position! In Jesus' Name, Amen