In today’s daily devotion, let’s take a look at 1 Corinthians 12:14: “ For the body is not one member, but many.” In this chapter of Corinthians, Paul uses an analogy to explain how the body of Christ should operate. God’s system is one of unity; it is communal in nature. After all, God exists in community.
Before God created man, He said in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” The godhead includes the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and these are one, in purpose, in will, and in unity.
So it is understandable that, as we are created in His image, we also live as communal beings. The Body of Christ includes His believers on earth. The Church is also considered the Body of Christ. And it consists of believers worldwide. It is made up of those who have accepted Christ as Lord. In Tuesday’s daily devotion, be mindful that you’re part of a community of believers.
We Are One
Paul begins teaching in Chapter 12 about the 9 spiritual gifts that are given to the body. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, and discernment of spirits. They’re given to members of the Body by the Holy Spirit. Yes, even though the Church or Body of Christ has many members, it’s called one body.
Just as your natural body is referred to as one body, which consists of hundreds of parts, the Body of Christ is one. Your body’s parts work in harmony with one another to maintain your health. In the same manner, the members of the Body of Christ should work together for its health and well-being.
Each member should work in harmony with the other members. In a physical body, sickness and disease occur when one member doesn’t work harmoniously with the other members. The same is true in the Body of Christ. It doesn’t work effectively if members don’t work together. Use your daily devotion time to learn how you can work in harmony in your local church.
Everyone Has a Place
Paul goes on to teach that just as parts of a natural body don’t function the same, the members of the Body of Christ don’t work the same either. He provides examples of the foot, hand, eye, and ear, which are parts of the body. However, they don’t operate the same. None is less important. Each has an important place.
In the Body of Christ, members have different giftings. We don’t have the same gifts or operate in the same way. There are leadership gifts that include pastors, teachers, and church administrators. Also, there are gifts of prophecy, miracles, and healing. Other gifts are less noticeable but equally important.
So no one can boast of a gift because they’re all given by the Holy Spirit to benefit the Body of Christ. In today’s devotion, devote time to contemplating your place in the Body.
A Body that Works Together
In your Tuesday devotion, meditate on the fact that in Christ, you are part of a system of believers throughout the earth that work together to build up the Kingdom of God. Whether you’re a missionary, a musician, a deacon, or a maintenance worker, you’re an integral part of the Body.
Don’t consider yourself less than because you don’t wear a minister’s collar. Each member of the body has a specific function, and every member must do its part. Only then can the Body operate at its full capacity.
Find Your Place
You should find your place in the Body of Christ. There is a place for you. If you’re unsure, volunteer for duties in your local church. Then follow the direction that fulfills you the most. When you start working, the Holy Spirit will direct you to your destiny or calling.
When Dr. Ed Dufresne got saved, he was willing to work wherever he could in his local church. The pastor gave him the job of church janitor, and he was faithful in that position. He became a deacon after that, and then he was called into the ministry. He became a pastor, prophet, and teacher.
Be faithful wherever God calls you. He rewards faithfulness. Never despise the day of small beginnings. Every member is an important part of the Body of Christ.
Unity is Key
A physical body cannot operate at optimum health if its body parts don’t function well together. Accordingly, the Body of Christ needs every member functioning in their place of service for unity in the Body. In your daily devotion time, pray and ask God for guidance in discovering your place in the Body of Christ. Never forget, you are part of a community. It’s a community that is unified, a community that is one.
