To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

— Ephesians 4:7

A story is told in Africa about a proud politician. This senior official had his own driver but did not treat him well. On a business trip he stopped at a restaurant and enjoyed a full meal, but he left his driver outside. On the way to a meeting afterward, the hungry driver decided to teach his boss a lesson. He turned off the car’s engine and pretended the battery was dead. “I guess we’ll have to push the car,” the driver said. After they pushed the car a short distance, the driver said he would try to start the engine again, and it started. The sweaty politician learned that his driver was important too: he needed him in order to go places and to get there on time.

This story includes some important reminders for the church. No member is more important than the others, and each one has gifts from God that can bless others. In the church, there are often people who think they have not received any special gifts from God. They think they have little or nothing to contribute. But that is a mistake. Another mistake is for people to think they don't need others or the gifts they can share. But God has given us many gifts and abilities, and we depend on each other in many ways.

What have you received from the Lord that you can share with others? And with what gifts from God have others blessed you?

Father, all that we have is a gift from you. Help us not to be proud of what we have or too proud to receive from others. Give us humble and gracious hearts. Amen.