The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 

DEVOTION

Just over one year ago while most of us were quarantining at home, my family decided to go on a bike ride around our neighborhood. It had been quite some time since our last ride, and the bike tires needed some air. My wife, Erin, grabbed the air pump, connected it to the tire, and began to pump. On her third or fourth pump, the pump broke, causing her to smash her finger against the rough aluminum tube. 

If anyone in our family can handle pain, it’s Erin. She has endured childbirth twice, donated 63% of her liver, and, most impressively, has been married to me for over twenty years! On this day though, I saw the color drain from her face as blood began to stream to the ground. Not only did she cut through most of her pinky finger, but we found out later she had broken the bone. A couple of days later, she was off to surgery to repair the break and was on her way to recovery. 

Over the next few weeks and months, she struggled to fully use her hand because of the injury. Everyday things like getting dressed or driving a car became a challenge. It’s amazing how being unable to use one of the smallest parts of the body became such a hindrance in her life.

This got me thinking about what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. He writes about how each of us has been given different gifts to use for the body of Christ, and Paul compares that to the human body. Some people have more prominent gifts like speaking or teaching and others are great at helping and serving. 

Whether you are the brain or the pinky, each part has its specific purpose, and all parts of the body must be used together for maximum benefit. 

If we begin to compare ourselves to others, typically one of two things will happen. One, we will think too highly of ourselves and think we can do it on our own, or two, we will think we have nothing to offer and not use the gifts we have been given. We are called to embrace our differences and work together, using our God-given gifts to spread the good news.

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving each of us a purpose in your body, the body of Christ. Help us to identify, nurture, and develop the gift you have specifically given to each of us. Let us clearly see how we fit into your body, and may we bring honor and glory to you in all we do.

In Jesus' name, 

Amen.

Marc Taylor

Crossings Edmond Campus Pastor 

mtaylor@crossings.church

Marc Taylor is Crossings Edmond Campus Pastor. His desire is to lead the pastors, staff, and congregation to a full life in Christ while being on the same journey with them.

RESOURCES

• I've Been Thinking series
• Spiritual Gifts Assessment
• When Christians Get It Wrong Teaching Series