Life Journal November 12, 2007
Today's readings: Job 37, 38 [one of my favorites chapters]; 1 Corinthians 12

Everyone Has a Place

Scripture

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit.

"Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, 'I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,' that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, 'I am not part of the body because I am only an ear and not an eye,' would that make it any less a part of the body? Suppose the whole body were an eye--then how would you hear? Or if your whole body were just a big ear, how could you smell anything?

"But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. What a strange thing a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, 'I don't need you.' The head can't say to the feet, 'I don't need you.'

"In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, wheil other parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

"Now all of you together are Christ's body and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it."

1 Corinthians 12.12-27

Observation

EVERYONE has a place and a role/part in the body of Christ, His Church.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I just read?)

I really didn't intend to do this Scripture today. I was all set to do one of my favorites from Job. But, I felt very drawn to day to interact with these verses in 1 Corinthians. Why? What do you want me to learn today, God?

Do I recognize everyone's place in the body? Do I see each one as important? Do I encourage all members of the body--or do I just look to those who do "what I want them to do" or those "who agree with me?" Hmmmmmmm

I know that I find myselft getting frustrated when I see people not fulfilling their role in the body--those who just come and sit and don't participate . . . . . and whine/complain. I think of all we could be accomplishing for the Kingdom if we all did our part and worked together and didn't focus on the little things that bring such distraction to the body.

I need to look at everyone with different eyes--I need to see them through God's eyes--and see what role they need to be fulfilling in the body and then do all I can to encourage them to do what it is they have been called to do. I need to help them recognize and reach their Kingdom potential as part of my role in the body of Christ.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word today and what You had for me to learn and grow through. I have a lot of work ahead of me . . . . but the good news is--I don't have to do it alone. Lord, I need Your gifts of discernment and encouragement and wisdom as I work to help the body recognize and reach their Kingdom potential. I am so excited Lord about what You are going to do! Thank YOU!!!!