Your Place

“If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” (1Corinthians 12:17-20 NIV)

Have you ever considered why Reality TV is so popular? The audience – individuals – want to be something they are not; do something they think to be more exciting; live some other existence. They want to experience the thrills vicariously without the risks involved.

Think about what you do. It is essential to someone, even if it is only essential to your life. Your volunteer work needs what you do. Your children need what you do for them. Your family needs what you do for it. Your employer and fellow-employees need your expertise for the company to function efficiently. Your church needs you to do the ministry you do. God needs you in the place he has put you.

Where would TV and spectator sports be without an audience? What would the orchestra be without each musician and instrument? What would your church be without each attendee or the janitor or the greeters or the ushers or the musicians or the pastor or your ministry?

Being the finger may not be glamorous but it is essential to body function. It may be desirable to cover up the little toe or the foot, but try walking without them. We can enter into eternal life without them, but they make this life much more pleasant. Remember this: the most important parts – whatever they may be – cannot function without the many supporting parts.

We need one another in order to be the body of Christ. We cannot be the body alone. We are only a single member of the body. The body needs all its parts to exist and function properly and effectively. We, who are deemed to be less important, play a huge role in the lives of those we deem to be more important. They need to know that we are cheering them and supporting them.

Dear Father, thank you for my place in the body. Empower us with the wisdom to understand that it is the exact place you desire for us and enable us to function happily. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in you place,