Another example that we are not all equal in Christ in my opinion.

I have pointed out before that some people are under the misconception that we are all equally valued under Christ.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We are all saved under Christ but Scripture is very clear that our rewards in Heaven (which I believe indicate our value to God) will be based on the amount of service that we provide to God. 

I had not noticed this Scripture before.  It raises an interesting point, if you accept Paul's teaching anyway.  Paul is talking about our gifts and how we use those gifts.  Paul very clearly says that God values one gift over another and Paul explains why that is.  Take a look.

1 Corinthians 14:1-5(NKJV)

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 

But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 

I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Isn't that interesting?  Think about that.  God gives us our gifts.  So if some gifts are valued higher than others isn't God automatically giving some a head start?  Maybe, maybe not. 

Now how does the system work?  I will be the first to admit that much of this is conjecture on my part but this is what I think.  I first believe that God is a just God.  Therefore I think that the fact that one person is given a gift that is valued higher than another gift means very little.  I happen to think that the biggest determining factor is where our heart is and what we do with the talents we are given. 

I think the Parable of the Talents illustrates this perfectly.  

Matthew 25:24-30(NKJV)

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 

And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 

So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. 

So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 

And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

I think what this is saying is that those who don't use their gifts will lose them.  God takes it personally when we waste the gifts He gave us. 

I think the part about "he who has, more will be given" simply means that those who use their initial talents will be given greater talents as they earn them.  While those who refuse to use their talents will lose the talents they were given. 

I have seen it in my own life.  As I have answered God's call and used my talents in one area I have seen God give me talents in new areas.  Talents that I never knew I had.  And as I used those new talents I was blessed with even more.  Pretty cool!

Would you like to experience that as well?  It starts with accepting Jesus.  Have you done that yet?  Just ask Jesus to come in to your life and lead you.  Have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."