READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 12: 12-27
But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it. (V. 18)
Due to the unforeseen worldwide pandemic in 2020, people have taken active notice of the unique roles being played by individuals keeping the nation safe, fed, and healthy. In recent years, we have all come to gain and enhanced level of respect and appreciation for those who serve in the Military and as community First Responders. The pandemic brought into focus the critical roles played by our medical professionals; truck drivers; food and pharmacy employees; warehouse stockers and pickers; postal employees; farm owners and workers; restaurant personnel; and teachers just to mention a few at the tip of the iceberg–those necessary to keep our country strong. In my mind, it is an absolute truth that our country’s strength is found in the sum of all our parts!
Realizing the fabric of our national strength is found in our ability to blend our talents for the common good, leads us to wonder about the origins of this magnificent biblical principle of life. First, we need to recognize and acknowledge that it was God that equipped each of us with different gifts-intellectual, physical and spiritual. Second, and equally important, God has placed each part, you and me, just where he wants us to be. His design is flawless, and the mechanism was put in place, just like the parts of a fine time piece, to start us in motion. The only requirement of each of us is to put forth the effort, discipline, trust and faith required to work in continuous harmony by caring equally for each other, no matter our position or place, in the spheres of national or church life.
This necessary weaving together of the concentric circles of our lives is where we most often falter. The sins of pride, selfishness, greed and power far too often keep us from working as one uniquely designed and fully functioning body. Instead of relying on the leadership of God, who put it all together in the first place, we second guess, question and modify his perfect design to meet our own purposes. This results in a dysfunctional society and nation. Thankfully, God loves us and does not abandon us. Instead, He uses challenging times to remind us that He is the one who has intricately woven us together with not one single part greater than the whole, a process designed to realign our lives with His Will for the good of all mankind.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
How do you view your God assigned role, and that of your brothers and sisters, within the body of Christ?
Dear God, help us to see that to function effectively, we must work together, as one unified body for the common good trusting in your divine leadership.