Consumers vs. Contributors
The Body

Scripture Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:12

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

When we think of a unit in the Army, we think of a group of soldiers that have a common bond that is formed by having a common commander and given a common mission.  The Apostle Paul describes the group of believers in Jesus as a unit.  This body of Christ is a unit that, though there are many people who belong to it, is one in its commander and its mission!

            This unit in God’s kingdom must work together if it is to be successful.  The first thing the apostle talks about is that every single person in the unit has equal value in God’s eyes.  Using a physical body as an example, Paul writes that the foot must not say: “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body” (1 Corinthians 12:15).  No, God looked at you and decided exactly where you should serve: “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be” (1 Corinthians 12:18).

            How should that make each of us feel?  I would think we should feel valued!  God looked directly at you and chose what gift to give you and declared you a great value in God’s kingdom.  Secondly, we should feel responsible.  Take serious your “job” in God’s kingdom.  Make sure to discover and use your giftedness!  Some people are multi-gifted, but the only thing that matters is our faithfulness.

Father, I present my body to you—my life as a living sacrifice to you.  Please show me what I should do in service to your kingdom.  In Jesus’ name, amen.