Take a quick look around you. No, don’t look at the masks. Look beyond the mask. Whether you are at home or work or someplace else, you’ll notice that the people around are different. Not only are we physically diverse, there is what is translated above as “variety” among the gifts or abilities we have.

Paul uses the diversity among the Spirit, Lord (Christ) and God to illustrate that even though the members of the Trinity have different functions, they all work together in unity.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians12:4-7).

Likewise the different gifts or abilities we each offer individually are intended to be for “the common good” among the believers.

Before we approach the gifts listed in the next few verses, ask yourself if you are aware of any gifts God has given you. Are you using them for the good of others? Remember, you have a role to play.