1 Corinthians 12:12-13
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body"
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
I would like to start this blog off with a one day challenge for you this week to gain a true life perspective on this week's blog topic...the importance of each member in the body of Christ.
For one day, I challenge you to tape one of your thumbs to your hand so that it is unusable. Yes, your whole body will suffer in ways you didn't even realize and you'll be tempted to rip that tape right off and use that thumb. After the day is over, consider yourself as that thumb and see what is holding you back as a useful member in God's kingdom. Are you that useful thumb not being of use because of the bondage of fear, busyness, or idleness? Release yourself and join in on God's family work plan.
Romans 12:4-5, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
As a member of the body of Christ thru baptism and the Holy Spirit, we have been called by God to further His Kingdom with a life of service.
"Each of us has a role to play, and every role is important. There is no small service to God; it all matters. Likewise, there are no insignificant ministries in the church. Some are visible and some are behind the scenes, but all are valuable. Small or hidden ministries often make the biggest difference." [R.Warren]
We all have something to contribute to the body of Christ. We are given spiritual gifts to promote the gospel in all different forms of service. It is not to show what we can do, but to show what God has done for us... and through us, we glorify Him. God has given these gifts according to His will, so don't be discouraged that you're in the sound box instead of on the stage. Gifts work together for the good of the whole body, not the self. "God has so fitted and tempered them together that they are all necessary to one another, and to the whole body; there is no part redundant and unnecessary." [M. Henry]
From odb.org, "The phrase “the body of Christ” expresses well what we are called to do: to represent in flesh what Christ is like, especially to those in need." As Jesus said in Matthew 9:37, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
What can you do to be an active participant in the body of Christ? Are you uncertain of how you can be of use? Contact your church leadership for areas needing help, ask friends how you can help in their walk with God, and pray for God's direction of service for yourself.