“But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. “
1 Corinthians 12:18-20

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AUGUST 7, 2024

Just as God arranged the parts of the human body to work together in harmony, so He has carefully arranged the parts of the body of Christ to work in concert with one another. We have been specifically placed in families, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, churches, even temporarily in vacation spots to serve others in love, presenting the gospel in deed and in word.

We are not who we are by accident. The Spirit of God granted us particular gifts to be exercised. The Spirit of God is at work through each individual part of Christ’s body. Because it is the same Spirit within each of us, His leading is collaborative. Even though we are individual parts, we work together as a whole. There is no division within the Spirit of God. That is not to say that well-meaning believers never have a difference of opinion. It is to say that the Spirit of God instructs us to love one another deeply and our gifting has been granted to serve others faithfully.

Being a very small part of something that is so much greater should produce a certain sense of humility in each of us. We serve our Lord, grateful for the opportunity to share in God’s redemptive and restorative activity in this world. Our days have purpose as we engage in the service to which Christ has called each of us.

Everyone has something that they can do. Sometimes we must take a risk and try our hand at something new. In the past, I tried a ministry that was outside my gifting and had to make the decision to engage somewhere else. I have no regret for exploring something that was not sustainable for me. God will use a willing individual wherever or whoever they are.

You are unique in personality, life situation, sphere of personal contacts, and spiritual gifting. God has a role for you that only you can fulfill.

Questions for reflection and discussion:

  • What is your spiritual gifting?
  • Where are you or where could you exercise your spiritual gifting?
  • What is your passion in life and how could it be used for the kingdom of God?

 

Church Reading Plan: Jeremiah 35; Psalm 7-8