Scripture: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 1 Corinthians 12:4,5 NIV
Observation: Paul is discussing the interdependence of the different parts of the church body.
Application: We are the body of Christ, the church. Our obligation does not start and stop at the door of the church building. Our senior or lead pastor does bring a word of truth to us and see to our spiritual health but he alone cannot minister to the entire community by himself. He needs willing members to go with him to reach out and minister outside of the building. Our elders and deacons may have plans to paint a room, host an outreach in the gym, or start a new Sunday school class but they need painters, and volunteers, and teachers. We as the church have a responsibility to each other and our community to use our time, tools, and talents to serve. We don’t all have the same abilities but we do have the same Spirit and Lord, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” 1 Corinthians 12:4,5 NIV
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making each of us unique with special gifts and abilities. Help us to find them and to use them to glorify you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen
Doug
Instructions For Life According to Jesus Christ 
Good points and a great application. It’s also good to note here that each part of the church is one in the Spirit and one in Christ. We should not look at gifts as being given to a person, but given to the church through a person. This should be reflected in the way we view the church, and should help keep us away from the common mistake of making it a top-down hierarchy of pastor/priest -> associate pastor/deacon -> intercessors/lay readers -> praise band/choristers -> old members/parishioners -> new members -> non-members etc.