The Beauty of the Body

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For a time, I so enjoyed spending Tuesdays sharing nuggets from God's Word on DeeDee's Tuesdays Together meme. But, alas...summer beckoned and we took some time off from our Tuesday sharing. We are back this week with some thoughts from 1 Corinthians.(Can't wait to catch up with the other ladies on this journey! I've missed you girls!) There really was so much that could be said about love and Jesus having the victory over death. Lots of great stuff. But, I would like to write this early Tuesday morning about one of my favorite subjects: the beauty of the body of Christ. In case the title of this post or the phrase body of Christ is confusing to you, let me clarify. The body of Christ refers to "the church"...His people, His followers. Believers make up the body of Christ.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. ~ I Corinthians 12:4-6

Oh, I love it. Almost nothing blesses my socks off more than seeing how the Lord uses different people with various gifts to come together to fulfill His purposes. I love it! I'm getting excited just thinking about the beauty of the ways God has worked in the lives of those around me. Take Sufficient Grace Ministries for example. God has laid different burdens on each heart, but all come together with the purpose of reaching out to minister to grieving hearts. He has drawn people with different gifts together to serve this purpose. Ladies with servants hearts, willing to use their various abilities and talents have joined as one. Those with the ability to sew make beautiful burial gowns and Comfort Bears. Those with a heart to pray intercede on our behalf. One with a talent for creating jewelry makes matching mommy/baby bracelets to give as keepsakes for grieving mothers. Gifted photographers offer their time and abilities to make sure that families have lasting, tangible memories of their time on this earth with their precious babies. Those with the gift of encouragement, encourage. Those with a gift of music, minister and worship through song. Some share through speaking and writing with words given by the Holy Spirit. Some have a compassionate heart. Some great mercy...some abundant grace. Some, a word of wisdom and some a listening ear. Some have great hospitality. Some are wonderful administrators...organized and orderly. (Not so much me, but some!=)

You see, we are who we are for a reason. It is no accident the gifts we have been given. Our interests and abilities have a purpose. They have been placed in our hearts to be used to serve the Lord and minister to His people. Every one of us has the ability to be used in some way. The beauty of the body of Christ is that all have a part. Nothing is wasted. God can use all of us, and every part of us. And...He wants to! He doesn't waste anything. And, every single part matters. We all have something to give. Doesn't that just blow your mind?

After speaking of the various spiritual gifts in verses 4-10, this one jumps out: But one and the same Spirit works in all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. ~ I Corinthians 12:11 God determines what each person's gifts and abilities will be. The Holy Spirit works in all these things.

There are many ways that we members come together to form the beautiful body of Christ. For as the body is one and have many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (I Corinth. 12:12) There are many parts to our physical bodies, and all have a role. We have eyes, toes, fingers, legs, arms, etc. All are part of the body. All different parts. We can't all have the same part. We can't all be eyes, or legs, or arms. There must be different parts...different roles to play.(Speaking of roles, in theatre it is commonly said, "There are no small parts, only small actors." Well, that saying is somewhat true in this sense, as well. Nurturing our children and caring for our home has no less importance than say, leading worship. In many ways, it may have greater value. Yet, each part serves a purpose. God desires an obedient, willing heart. We are to be used for His glory, not our own.) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if we were all one member, where would the body be? But indeed, there are many members, yet one body. (I Corinth. 12:18-20)

I shared ways that different members use their abilities and gifts through Sufficient Grace Ministries. But, there are many other ministries that God works through the same way, and we are are still part of the same body. God has laid it on my heart to serve in one way that meets the needs of some, and another person ministers in another area, filling yet another need. Our God is creative and He works in amazing ways in the lives of the willing hearts of His people. We must recognize and encourage one another...rejoicing in whatever way that Christ is preached. Too often, it feels that different ministries are divided, instead of encouraging one another to grow and continue the good work God has begun in them. We are one...part of the same body. And, all are necessary and useful to Him. And, if one member suffers, all members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all members rejoice with it. (I Corinth. 12:26)

In many ways, we need to be reminded to love and encourage one another. Which, I suppose is the reason that I Corinthians 13 comes next in the Bible. But, that chapter deserves it's own post, so I will just leave you with this. Be the person God has created you to be. If he has gifted you with an ability, use it for His glory. If you aren't sure how to do that, ask Him to show you. He is just waiting to answer that prayer! And, you will be abundantly blessed and amazed to see what He is able to do in and through your life!