Needed
If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell? As it is, however, God put every different part in the body just as he wanted it to be. There would not be a body if it were all only one part! As it is, there are many parts but one body. So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ Nor can the head say to the feet, ‘Well, I don’t need you!’
(verses 17-21)
You are a uniquely gifted, indispensable part of the body of Christ!
Yes, it is true, that description fits you like a glove. You have been placed by God just where he wants you to be, with the gifts he wants you to have, to do tasks only you can do. You have an important role to play, just as I have.
Your importance is not based on how public or seemingly spectacular your role is. It does not depend on how much recognition you are given. What it does depend on is that God has placed you where you are, and he makes us all special in his service.
But this means it is also important that we recognise each other in the same way. No-one has the right to judge another person’s worth in the church. No-one can convey to another person that they don’t think they count. For we all count. We are all special. God made us, and ‘God don’t make junk’.
So let’s be what we are. Let’s celebrate the differences that God gives our Christian community in you and me. And, together, let’s serve him!
Lord, help me to be what you have made me and not try to be what you have determined I am not needed to be. Amen.
by Bob Turnbull, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
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