While at the grocery store the other day, I went straight to the fruit section. There were melons, bananas, grapes, oranges, kiwis, berries, apples and strawberries.

Did you know that we are also like pieces of fruit in the eyes of God?

Just as you would use a variety of fruit for a salad, God does the same with us for the use in His church, the body of Christ.

He knows each of us distinctly, definitely, and specifically by whom we are and He knows exactly what we can do and what gift(s) we have been given.

Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all.

There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving.

There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us.

A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.

Fruit is a product of plant growth and fertilization, and is useful and flavorful. When we became born again, we were planted as seeds, watered with His love, word, and spiritual teaching.

And with God, we now begin to grow into the pieces of fruit that we are meant to be.

Each fruit used is different but used for the same purpose—to make up “God’s Salad” and give it “flavor”.

And make sure you have the “something else” that makes the salad taste its best, the dressing that goes with it: God’s love!

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.” 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

–by Brenda Gittens