WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called.
Ephesians 4:3-4 (NIV)
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
Have you ever found yourself working on a project and realized it's not a one-person job? How about constructing a house? It requires many different talents, such as plumbers, roofers, electricians and carpenters. In the end, they work together with the sole goal of completing the house. If at any point one of them decides not to perform their function, the whole project slows down, frustration builds, and the shared goal is affected.
As the body of Christ, we're created to fulfill a mission based on the gifts we've been given. Sunday morning services are made possible by many different gifts, all with the same goal: to glorify God and draw everyone to the presence of our mighty Savior. Wouldn't it seem odd to walk into church on Sunday morning, experience worship, then sit in silence staring at the stage for 45 minutes when the pastor walks out and says, Have a great week! This may be a bit exaggerated, but you see how every role affects the whole body.
We need each person to grow and serve together as the full body of Christ. Every gift given by the Holy Spirit matters because each one uniquely strengthens the body. When we faithfully use what God has given us, we grow personally, others are encouraged, and the body of Christ becomes stronger together.
APPLICATION: What gift has God given me that I may be withholding from others? Ask the Spirit to show you if you're holding back and how you can strengthen yourself and the body with this gift to foster unity.
PRAYER: Father, reveal to me the gifts I've been given to benefit Your body and grow Your kingdom. Strengthen us and protect us from spiritual laziness that harms the body. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?