“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 not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:14-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When we consider the simple, yet profound, analogy of the human body being the example of how the body of Christ (the church) is supposed to function, we can implement this practical truth into reality. We are multiple parts functioning as one unit. There is no place for self centered behavior. Our objective is to contribute to the success of the whole.

When we think about ourselves, we seek only the things that benefit us. Let me share an example: Many people attend church each week with the mentality of "what am I getting out of this?" rather than "what can I contribute to this?".

The mystery here is this: when we contribute to the whole, we receive, from the whole, the vital lifeblood that makes us alive and well. A hand cannot survive if it is severed from the body. The body can survive without the hand but it is left with a disability. The body can adjust to living without the hand but, when the hand is intact and the body operates in its full, healthy potential, everyone is benefited.

Imagine church with everyone knowing their function and remaining faithful to the task.

There is so much more that we can accomplish together. We never will see what God can do in His church if we settle for being disabled. Jesus, the Great Physician, can heal us and help us to be healthy and whole. May the church rise up in healthy display for the world to see. When we do, it will change the world!!

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, help me to find my place of service to your body, the church, and help me faithfully execute my role. Heal us, O Lord, and make us whole. Let us demonstrate to the world Your glory!!!