People may view the same thing from different perspectives and come to different conclusions. For example, if a dandelion is growing in the corner of a wall, a person responsible for cleaning the yard may see it as a weed that should be pulled out immediately. A poet or writer, however, may see it as a symbol of resilience and vitality, something to be admired and contemplated for inspiration. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine may regard it as a beneficial medicinal herb worthy of careful study and application in treatment.
In church life, we sometimes encounter similar situations. Different people may have different feelings and reactions toward the same matter. These differences may be related to personal cultural backgrounds, personalities, or preferences. For example, some people are naturally introverted and enjoy reading and reflecting. As a result, reading the Bible and studying God's Word are activities in which they can easily engage and find enjoyment. Others, however, may not be naturally inclined toward reading and reflection. Bible study may require them to invest extra effort and energy. Yet these same individuals may be more outgoing in personality and feel comfortable interacting with strangers during outreach activities. Even when they face rejection, they do not take it too personally. For those who are more introverted, on the other hand, approaching strangers may require them to seek God's special grace each time and gather considerable courage before participating.
We should not look down on others simply because we are doing something that comes naturally to us while they find it difficult. The opportunity to participate in any form of ministry is a gift from God.
Paul tells us that God has given each of us different gifts:
"If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
The unity and growth of the church are built upon believers with different gifts supporting and working together with one another. We should do our best in the areas where we are gifted. In areas where we are less capable, we can still rely on God's grace, make the effort to try, and work together with other brothers and sisters to accomplish the task.
At the same time, we should remain mindful of how to express love while using our gifts in service. Perhaps this means showing appreciation and encouragement when others do what they are gifted to do. And when it comes to things that we are good at but others struggle with, we should learn to be patient, accepting, and understanding.
Spiritual maturity is not measured by how skilled we are at doing things, but by whether we are willing to humble ourselves and help others succeed. May God help us all grow together.
不同的人從不同的角度看同一個事物，會有不同結果。譬如一棵蒲公英長在牆角，對於要清潔院子的人來說，那就是一棵雜草，必須立刻拔去；對於詩人和文學家來說，那可能叫人聯想到生命力的頑強，可以細心觀賞，觸發靈感；對於中醫人士來說，那是一棵於人健康有益處的草藥，值得拿來仔細研究並應用於治療。
在教會生活中，我們有時也遇到類似情況，同一件事，不同的人會有不同感受和反應。然而，那可能和個人文化背景或者性格愛好相關。舉例來說，有的人天性比較內向，喜歡閱讀和思考，因此閱讀聖經和研究神的話語本身就是他比較容易投入和喜歡的事。而對於另一些人來說，閱讀和思考並非強項，聖經學習需要他們付出加倍的努力和心血，但是他們性格比較外向，在外展活動中與陌生人接觸交流比較自在，即便遭到拒絕也不會太介意；而對於偏內向的人，可能每次接觸陌生人都需要呼求神特別的恩典，鼓足勇氣才敢參與。我們不能因為做的事情是自己擅長而別人不擅長的，就輕看別人。能夠參與任何一項服事，都是出於神的恩賜。
保羅說，神給我們每個人有不同的恩賜。「或說預言，就當照著信心的程度說預言；或作執事，就當專一執事；或作教導的，就當專一教導；或作勸化的，就當專一勸化；施捨的，就當誠實；治理的，就當殷勤；憐憫人的，就當甘心。」（羅馬書12:6-8）
教會的合一和發展，建立在擁有不同恩賜的信徒們彼此扶持和配搭之上。對於自己擅長的事，我們可以盡力去做；對於不擅長的事，我們靠著神的恩典，可以努力嘗試，配合別的弟兄姊妹一起完成。同時需要警醒的是，如何在這些運用恩賜的服事上表達愛呢？也許就是對於別人做他擅長的事，我們表達欣賞並鼓勵；而對於我們自己擅長而別人不擅長的事，我們要學習包容和接納。屬靈的成熟不在於我們多麼擅長做事，而在於我們是否願意謙卑自己，成全別人。願神幫助我們一起成長。
