By: Juliet Constantine

Each one of us has one body, and that body has many parts. These parts don’t all do the same thing. In the same way, we are many people, but in Christ we are all one body. We are the parts of that body, and each part belongs to all the others. We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us. Whoever has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in a way that fits the kind of faith they have. Whoever has the gift of serving should serve. Whoever has the gift of teaching should teach. Whoever has the gift of comforting others should do that. Whoever has the gift of giving to help others should give generously. Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it. Whoever has the gift of showing kindness to others should do it gladly. (Romans 12:4-8 ERW)

In our modern world, functions are no longer distinct. There is no clear line of demarcation as all are liberated to choose and do whatever they want. And while this may seem more progressive in our civilized era, it doesn’t seem to make our homes, our churches and our society better. Paul used the analogy of the body to teach a simple yet profound lesson about working together.

The Apostle Paul noted that the human body has many parts which make up the whole body. Each part, be it small or large, has its own function which is diverse from all other; yet they all work harmoniously together to guarantee the successful functioning of the whole body. No one part can take the praise for accomplishing a task as they all worked together to make it a reality.

He then compared the human body to the body of Christ. We are many members, gifted according to our several abilities, but one body. So, why do we have so many infightings for position in our homes and in our church? Is the neck fighting with the head or the hands fighting with the feet for position? Are the input organs fighting with the output organs about input and elimination? Do any part of the body fights with another? So why do we? Our homes and our churches would soon accomplish their missions if each member would function as they were gifted to. When all members identify and focus on their respective gift(s) and work in tandem with other members, there would be no time to critize and tear down each other. Instead we would do our part to encourage and motivate each other to do the same.

So what part are you in the body of Christ? Membership is more than your name on a roster. It is actively working together in playing your part. If you are a cell–be a part of something much bigger. If you are a finger–support other fingers to make the writing beautiful. If you are a taste-bud experience amazing flavors while savoring diversity of styles and opinion. And, if you are a medulla oblongata-ensure that the heart continues to beat and gets help from the head. Be an eye that sees something good happening and decide to be part of it. Be that part that values each unique contribution to the body of Christ. Be a part and not apart.

Thank you Father for helping us to realize that we all have a part to play in Your work. Please help us to bond together, support each other, working harmoniously to let our light shine. Bless us to this end we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)