Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:15-20
“If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.”
Devotion
Do you have some days where you might feel like the task, day, week, etc. is too daunting to handle? Or maybe you find yourself thinking “I could probably handle this better if…” I think it is natural to experience these types of feelings from time to time, whether they are in regard to life’s uncertainties, our occupation, or our role in the church. However, Paul does a great job addressing this in 1 Corinthians 12:15-20.
Paul uses the example of the human body to remind us the importance of every part of the human body. We need our ears to hear, eyes to see, nose to smell, feet to walk, and the list goes on. Paul intends to connect this to our role in God’s plan. He recognizes the importance of diversity within the church, and how it should be not only embraced but celebrated. We all have unique abilities that we bring to the table. We all come from different walks of life, whether from our occupation, ethnicity, hobbies, etc. We all have a ton that we bring to the table— and it is intended that way! God designed all of us just as he wanted us to be. There is no mistake in that. So that means that our church body should be representative of that same diversity! Regardless of what our spiritual gifts are, we all are reliant among one another, just like Paul noted in verse 17: “If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?”.
He brings this point home by noting that although we are a diverse group of people, we all belong to the same body. We all serve the same God. And we all are able to rely on one another while in the midst of life’s uncertainties. We as believers can walk together through tough circumstances, sharing those burdens and lifting each other up. That’s the great thing about a diverse group— we have the ability to compliment each other in those times of need.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I know there are some days where we feel like we are at our breaking point. Or where we may even feel disconnected. I ask that you remind us that we should embrace the diversity that we have, and that it is intended that way. Help us to grow to love who we are, and the abilities that you’ve provided. And then help us to continue to glorify you with those abilities. I ask for strength and wisdom to navigate those feelings, and to likewise help out other parts of the body when they are in need. Thank you for everything you are doing in our lives.
In your heavenly name I pray, Amen.
Author: Justin Artymenko
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