Are you a thumb? Are you a pinkie toe? Are you an elbow? A marvelous way that God describes a group of Christians is that we are the body of Christ. Just as each part of the human body is important and provides a vital function for the body, each person is vitally important in his or her life of service. Here is how God describes it:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one
of you is a part of it. And in the church God has
appointed first of all apostles, second prophets,
third teachers, then workers of miracles, also
those having gifts of healing, those able to help
others, those with gifts of administration, and
those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all
teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have
gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all
interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts.”
--1 Corinthians 12:27-31
These are meaningful words for each of our lives of service. Because Jesus Christ has set us free from sin, he has set us free in our lives of giving thanks to God by using our God-given abilities and gifts to serve Him. Please consider the following thoughts:
Notice how important each person’s service is. “Each one of you is a part of [the body of Christ].” Making that personal—your area of service is important. The way you use your gifts and abilities interacting with your church family is significant and valuable. Those lives you touch with love, kindness, and care give glory to God. What you do matters. I think of that famous line from the movie “Gladiator”: What we do in life echoes through eternity.” In one way, it is true for the Christian. When we serve God by serving the spiritual lives of others, God uses our service to impact lives. All glory to God; we are just tools in God’s hand.
Notice also that God is the one who determines someone’s area of service. The verse says “God has appointed . . . apostles, prophets, teachers . . .” Making this personal, God has set you into the area of responsibility you have right now. In which ways are you serving the Savior? You can pray for new areas of service. Pray for fulfillment in your area of service.
Are you a forehead or a shoulder blade? Maybe you are out in front of people. Maybe you are behind the scenes. Are you a big toe (applying a loving kick to the rear) or palm (gently giving others the push of encouragement)? Each part of the human body is important. Your one-person role in the history of the world is important. God bless you as you serve the Savior with your life.
Prayer idea: Pray and meditate on your area(s) of service to God’s Kingdom. Pray for increased opportunity and fulfillment as you serve. Pray for ways to encourage others in their areas of service. Praise God for calling you out of the darkness of sin to be a part of the body of Christ.
Oh—and just a reminder—don’t turn into an appendix!