Behind the Scenes – May 27, 2026
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:3-11
There are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of ministries, and yet the same Lord. There are various kinds of activity, but the same God, who produces all of them in everyone. Each person is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (EHV)
Behind the Scenes
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have you ever watched a school play, concert, or sports game? Everyone sees the big performance at the end. But a LOT of work happens before anyone steps on stage or onto the field! People practice lines, build sets, set up lights, make costumes, and help everything run smoothly. Most of that work happens “behind the scenes,” where nobody sees it.
Our Bible reading today reminds us that the Holy Spirit also does “behind-the-scenes” work. Before Jesus went back to heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came and gave them courage and special gifts so they could tell people about Jesus.
The Holy Spirit has come to us too! The first and greatest thing he did was bring us to faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit still works in us today by giving each Christian special gifts to help other people and serve God.
Some gifts are easy to notice. A pastor preaching, a teacher teaching, or a musician singing in church are gifts we can often see. But other gifts happen quietly. Maybe someone cheers up a sad friend, helps a neighbor, prays for someone, shares, listens kindly, or writes an encouraging note. Those are gifts from God too! They help grow and strengthen his church.
Sometimes we may wish we had someone else’s gifts. Maybe you wish you could sing better, speak better, or do something another person can do. But God made each person special. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people because he knows exactly what his church needs.
Instead of being jealous, we can thank God for the gifts he gives other people AND thank him for the gifts he has given us. With these gifts from the Holy Spirit, every believer is equipped and empowered to be witnesses of Christ in a world that needs him.
Just like we can’t see what’s going on behind the scenes of a play, we can’t always see the Holy Spirit working. Yet we know he is because Jesus promised it. We have the same God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—who is preserving his church. All by his grace for the common good of God’s people. Even though we cannot see the Holy Spirit with our eyes, we know he is working because Jesus promised he would. The Holy Spirit is still working “behind the scenes”!
Prayer:
Father in heaven, forgive us for the times we are jealous of the gifts of others. Dear Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross that covers me with your grace. Dear Holy Spirit, help me joyfully use the gifts you give me as you work for the good of God’s people. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What is one gift or talent God has given you?
- How can you use your gifts to help someone this week?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Why do you think God gives different gifts to different people?
- What are some gifts people use at church that others may not notice?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Why is it wrong to be jealous of someone else’s gifts?
- Go around the room and name one gift or strength you see in each family member.
