Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

12The 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.
1Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)

IMAGINE if each human body consisted of a collection of one body part — one body consisting of ears, another of eyes, and another of legs. Any of these would be severely limited. A body made of ears couldn’t walk; a body made of legs couldn’t see. Paul uses the image of a body to help us think about how we serve Christ, calling the church the body of Christ. As a collection of body parts, we can expect that we will all be different — each with different gifts and abilities, each with a unique contribution to make.

As we help one another to discover and develop our gifts, we can rejoice in our diversity. But since we are called to be interdependent and obedient together to Christ, we seek unity within our diversity. We need one another; we cannot be individual churches all on our own. We need the support and encouragement of fellow Christians working together in partnership. Christ is the head of the body, and, just as a healthy body does what the brain tells it, so we can do what Christ commands.

All our gifts are needed. Each one of us is valued by God and equipped to serve within the church.

Prayer
O God, thank you for making each of us your unique creation. Help us to work together for your kingdom. Amen.

Thought for the week
God rejoices when we all work together.