The Body of Christ

Have you ever looked at your foot and criticized it for not being able to write?  Sound like a really stupid question?  It is. But go with me on this.

Have you ever looked at your hands and judged them for not helping you breathe?  Of course not!  It's obsurd.

God designed our members (body parts) for specific purposes to serve our bodies.  In the same way, He created each member of the body of Christ with his/her own purpose to serve that body.

So, just as it would make no sense to criticize an elbow for not serving our body as our eyes do, it would be ridiculous to criticize ourselves, our husbands, our children or our fellow Christians for not serving the body of Christ as someone else does or as we think they should.

We each have a function...

...some to minister through music.
...some to change diapers.
...some to encourage with notes in the mail.
...some to feed the homeless.
...some to live in foreign lands.
...some to homeschool.
...some to foster children.
...some to adopt special needs kids.
...some to organize large functions that bless many.
...some to minister one-on-one.
...some to take care of sick parents.
the list is practically endless.

This, of course, does not mean we are exclusive in our ministries.  I can pick up objects with my toes.  This is very helpful when I already have my hands full.  (I know you really wanted to know this about me!)  I have friends who minister through music and to the homeless.

And sometimes our functions change as the seasons in our lives change.  A little over ten years ago I had no children in my home. It was my husband and me. In 5 1/2 years God gave us 5 children who are now my primary ministry along with my husband.

My point is this...whatever situation you are in, be content, and be thankful.

Be thankful for the way God made you but also be thankful for His creativity and variety in the way he made others who are different from you.

How I function as a member of the body of Christ, how I minister with His love, how I walk out my faith will differ from others.  Not better. Not worse.  Just different.  And accepting the vast differences in the many members of the body of Christ is as sensible as accepting the differences in teeth and ears.

I'm thankful I've been reminded of this recently.  And I want to pray for eyes that see myself soberly.  For eyes that see the members of the body of Christ as individuals with gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. It's just makes sense.