There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV)
There remains a diversity of gifts given among the saints equipping us - through the power of the Spirit - to serve others in a myriad of differing ways. It behooves us to remember, that in serving the saints we are as serving the Lord Jesus Himself. He tells us in Matthew 25:40 (NIV): “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’” And our Lord also reminds us that we will certainly not lose our reward for our actions in Matthew 10:42 (NIV): “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Our spiritual gifts were given to us but they are not for us – meaning they were given to build the body of Christ - for the common good of the whole. And if we neglect or abuse our giftings the body suffers. Our spiritual gifts are the result of God’s grace and not our own merit – given according to His divine purposes. They are not something the believer merely strums up in his own effort. They were given to serve His body, the church.
We are to be diligent in honing in our giftings for body work, ministering to others in all the manifold ways. Doing our giftings out of love for the Master and for others. This is being good stewards of what He has placed in our hands. And we are held accountable for what we do or do not do with our giftings. We go forth serving in all the various ways - stemming from God’s grace – under His will and direction. Like the human body, the body of Christ has many differing parts with a necessary diversity in its members. As the parts of the human body function as one, so too, the parts of the body of Christ – while a diversity of parts - also function together as one. The purpose is to build the body of Christ up – not merely for individual personal enrichment - rather for the common good of the body. There is both a unity of Source and of purpose in our individual giftings. And we need each other. All our giftings stem from God’s grace in all its various forms and we are to each be faithful to administer them for God’s glory and for the good of the body.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)