Devotional June 17 2020

Devotional June 17, 2020

            “For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:14-20

            The idea of unity within the body of Christ has been on my mind quite a bit lately. As we begin to meet together again, there is a sense of unity in purpose that is often lacking in our churches. We have missed worshipping together in person, so as of now, all of those petty squabbles and differences of opinions over small things has faded into the background. I am not sure how long this sense of unified purpose in worship will last, but it is clear from Scripture that it should be the modus operandi when it comes to the body of Christ.

            So how do we maintain this unity of purpose? We need to get back to a Biblical view of what the body of Christ is supposed to look like. Each one of us has our part to play in the body. The example that Paul uses is the human body. Next time you look in the mirror, ask yourself what you would look like, how functional it would be to have eyes instead of ears, or an ear in the place of your nose. Aside from looking incredibly odd, there is a functionality to the manner in which are bodies are made up. It might be nice to have eyes in the side of your head so you can see in an almost 360 degree manner, but without your ears, how would you hear? This is the issue that Paul brings up to the Corinthian church.

            The Corinthians had a lot of issues when it came to unity and valuing each person’s contributions to the body of Christ. The problem was that they all wanted to be the most important. They all wanted to be the one making decisions, having their opinions not only listened to, but acted upon. This is seen far too often in the modern church as well. Some people are so used to being listened to and having their advice be taken and put into action, that it is very difficult for them to see another idea being put into place instead. We like to be recognized, to have our contributions acknowledged. It feels good. It feels rewarding. But Paul tells the Corinthians that their reward is not in being recognized or seen as the most valuable contributor to the body. The reward is in embracing your place in the body of Christ and serving the Lord in that area to the best of your ability.

            So whatever the Lord has called you to do, whatever part you have been called to fulfill in the body, do it for the glory of God! It is not about recognition, or one person’s contributions outweighing another person’s, but it is about unity. If you are a hand, be the best hand you can be. If you are a foot, be the best foot you can be. Serve the Lord, serve the church, and serve the community. Let us get back to being the body of Christ!