Pray:
Lord, help me to draw all my life from You and then to bring Your life to the world.
Read:
1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-20
Reflect:
Do you see yourself as a part of a whole?
Notice how Paul repeats the words "one" and "all" (12-14). He is utterly convinced that anyone baptized by the Spirit has received from the same Spirit and therefore is part of the one unifying body. The body metaphor has been used elsewhere to illustrate how a hierarchy works--the head holds the highest status, all other parts have less significance. Paul turns this on its head in writing to the Corinthian church divided by status and social standing. No one part is more important than another. Each part is interdependent and the different parts are essential for wholeness. One big mouth, however large and loud, has limited use. This develops Paul's emphasis on the variety within God's people (4-11).
This is how the creative God intends his people to bond together (18-20). To identify the wrists or nose within any one fellowship would be taking the metaphor too far! But to ensure that each person knows they belong with a significant and essential role is surely possible. In affirming God's intention, glory will be given to him.
Apply:
Pray that every member of your church would know how much they are valued and loved.
Pray:
Jesus, You went to the cross with the prayer of unity on Your lips. Let us join You in that prayer.
