“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 working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
It has been hot outside. You didn’t need me to tell you that, did you? When the dog days of summer are upon us, there are only a few ways to escape the heat. You can close the blinds, turn on the fans and AC and hunker down inside, or you can jump in the nearest body of water to cool off. Both options are acceptable. If you live near the beach, a big swim in in the ocean is ideal.
That is why so many people hit the beach this past week in Florida. However, the cool, refreshing water of the ocean also presents dangers. At Flagler Beach, a local person decided to go out on their boogie board. It was just what they needed on a hot day. It was not long until the danger of a rip current swept him out away from shore. Rip currents are extremely dangerous. Rip currents are powerful, fast, and can pull a swimmer far from the safety of shallow water.
When the man on the boogie board was sent far from shore, the lifeguards at Flagler Beach jumped into action. They created a chain, using their equipment and multiple lifeguards. When they reached the swimmer in distress, they worked together to pull him to shore. It was all captured on video.
The ocean is a vast body of water, filled with danger. When the lifeguards worked together, they were able to overcome the immediate danger. The job would most likely have been too big for just one lifeguard, but together they were able to successfully save a life.
When we are willing to work with others and share our individual gifts, we too can make a difference in the world, even on hot, hot days. Each of us have gifts to use that will bless the people around us. Together, our gifts are magnified and allow us all to share God’s love and bring hope to the world.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
