Daily devotion – What is your part?
1 Corinthians 12:23–27
“And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such 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. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:23–27 (NLT)
The Church—the Body of Christ—is an incredible blending of people from all walks of life, cultures, and backgrounds. Paul paints a vivid picture of this Body functioning together, each part playing a crucial role. Not all serve in the same way, nor do we all have the same gift or ministry. Yet each one is needed.
Think about this past Sunday. Before a single song was sung, before a child sat for their junior church lesson, a quiet army had already been at work. Someone had mowed the lawn. Someone had cleaned the toilets and made sure soap dispensers were filled. Others had interceded in prayer for the service, while some were preparing the worship songs, the teaching schedule, and the sermon notes.
And then, as I drove past the Church later that day, long after the congregation had left, I saw others out in the cold wind and rain—clearing gutters and ensuring everything was ready for the forecasted storms. No one else saw them—but the Lord did!
Paul reminds us that just like the human body has unseen but vital organs—our heart, lungs, kidneys—the Church body also has parts not always visible, but utterly essential.
Are you part of the team? The Church body has no unnecessary parts. Every believer is designed with a purpose and a spiritual gift to serve the Lord and one another.
This week, would you prayerfully consider your role in the function of the Church here at Secret Harbour? And as you do, would you also pray for and give thanks for the faithful saints who serve behind the scenes? May the Lord bless them richly.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (NLT)