Three Questions - Week 2

Daily Scripture Readings

Monday          Acts 2:42–47

Tuesday         1 Timothy 3:14–15

Wednesday   Ephesians 2:19–22

Thursday       Colossians 1:17–20

Friday             Romans 12:4–5

Saturday        Matthew 15:29-31

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, speak to us this morning and remind us why people need Your church. In Jesus’ name, AMEN

READING:

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul outlined the role of believers in the early Church. Likening the church body to the human body, he encouraged Christians to accept their unique roles, for they worked together to help the entire body function properly. (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) God created each body part with a specific job, equally important; one couldn’t exist without the other. Paul pointed to this truth when he said, “Now if the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body” (1 Corinthians 12:15, NIV).

The same is true for the body of believers. God gives His children spiritual gifts to serve the Church and bring Him glory. Our service works in tandem with individuals possessing other purposes, coming together as many parts functioning as one body.  Our key verse reminds us that we are the body of Christ here on earth, and each one of us is valuable and vital: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

What a gracious blessing from our heavenly Father! We don’t have to feel overlooked or compete for the “best servant award” because we all play a vital part in a healthy Church. Every person matters to God, and each person's role is valuable. Our diverse talents work together for a common goal: to know God and make Him known.

We can joyfully contribute because all service is valuable and important in God’s economy.  We can see the value in each person, not for what they do but who they are: a child of God.  May this encourage us as we serve and support the “teams” of believers that make up the body of Christ in our local churches.

Laura Bailey