Manifold grace

Have you ever stopped to consider the intricate detail and diversity that make up the world around us? The many different species of plants and animals that inhabit our world, teach us that the work of God is very diverse in nature. Biologists estimate that there are somewhere between three and fifty million species on the planet which all function together in balance. The whole of creation is an expression of God's design, harmonising many individual and diverse parts into the whole.

When we consider God's intricate work displayed in our environment, we realise with amazement that He has also fashioned each one of us. In the psalms, we find that God has created us all with a unique nature and definition. The psalmist wrote, 'I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth'. Psa 139:14-15.

It is one of the great mysteries of life that we all desire to have a sense of individuality, while at the same time needing to be part of a community. We would all like to feel that we have a purpose in life and can direct our energy towards something important. The Bible explains that we can all be members in particular of the body of believers who follow Christ. 1 Cor 12:27. In fact, God has a portionthat He wishes to impart to every individual which is specific to his or her
character. In Peter's first letter, he referred to this 'special gift' as the 'manifold grace of God'. The literal translation of this word 'manifold' is 'various in character'. Peter told his readers to be good stewards of their gift and employ it 'in serving one another'. 1Pet 4:10.

We each have unique talents and abilities which we use in the day to day course of our life and work. God's desire is for us to use the abilities which He has given to serve one another and so fulfill His will for our lives. It is exciting to know that as we do this He adds grace and makes us more fruitful in our endeavours to serve Him. We have been called to steward the grace given to us by Christ. In this way, each individual can give to meet the needs of others and, in turn, receive life from another.

For every individual there is a particular work to do. In the book of Ephesians, Paul stated that 'we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them'. Eph 2:10.The ultimate expression of our individuality is to serve God according to the nature and personality which He has given to us. He gives us grace so that we are equipped to serve one another in the Christian community where we belong.

Cameron Playsted

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Feature Articles
May 2009

Knowing His will

Speaking face to face

They will see and rejoice

A new name

Straight and tall

Abide in Him

Manifold grace

How much does it cost?

Devoted to prayer

Son of my vows