“We have different gifts according to the grace given us.”
Romans 12:6 (NIV)

Groucho Marks used to host a game show many years ago called You Bet Your Life. For some reason (maybe because my dad was a piano technician) the only thing I remember from the show was the question, “How many keys are on a piano?” The answer: 88.

I was reminded of this question today as I was disinfecting our church’s piano keyboard with Clorox wipes.

We are blessed at our church to have a very talented and excellent pianist. Yet, even he would have a hard time playing beautiful music if the middle keys were gone. On some pianos a few of the keys may stick making it extremely difficult for the player to play as needed.

The piano keys near both ends of the keyboard are the ones less used. But when they are needed it is important that they are in place and play as expected. The keys in the middle of the keyboard are the ones which stay the most active. But each key is important.

The Bible makes clear that the same principle holds true for believers in the church. Each Christian’s role is an important part of the body.

As Romans 12 explains, there are specific gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving and showing mercy. And there are others. If you are a Christian, you have been given at least one gift that God wants to use in the life of your church. What is yours?