But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 1 Corinthians 12:20
REFERENCE
I Corinthians 12:12-30
As believers God expects us to function as one Body in Christ. We all occupy different offices and have different callings and gifts, but we need to work together as a single unit in order so we can arrive at our destination quicker. It is our duty to look out for each other in the Body because if one part becomes weak or fails, it will definitely affect the rest of the Body.
Sometimes, believers whose gifts are not so visible in the Body tend to envy those with the more visible or prominent gifts; they even get to the point of wanting to function in the offices of such ones and that is absolutely unnecessary; because those who work behind the scenes and the ones who are more visible will each receive their reward from God.
Moreover, the preacher up there in the pulpit cannot function all by him/herself without the help of music ministers, sound engineers, photographers, ushers, protocol/security personnel, cleaners, etc. So, we must each understand our limitations and the need therefore for others, in order to be effective in the Body. Tony Cooke puts it succinctly by saying, “We are all deficient by design.” He said, “In His infinite wisdom, God did not give me or anyone else (individually) all the gifts necessary for ministry in the Body of Christ. If I had every single gift necessary, then I could begin to believe that I didn’t need other people.”
Thus, we all matter and are very important to God. We are all here to achieve a single purpose – BUILD UP THE KINGDOM. Let’s then learn to work without competition, to respect, appreciate, and honor others for what they do and the positions they occupy, as well as team up with them to achieve our common purpose. Though we are many members; we are one Body in Christ!
Remember, Christ Himself gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to equip us for ministry, edify us till we come to the unity of the faith, attain maturity, and develop to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).
SCRIPTURE PHOTO
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Amos 3:3, Romans 12:3-7, & I Corinthians 3:1-9
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I pray and receive grace not to disregard, but fulfill the role You have given me to play in Your Body; may I function well with the rest of Your Body, and grow to completeness in You. Amen!
