The Body of Christ is a collection of people who have established a relationship with Him. They are a mosaic of unique individuals with differing talents, gifts and capabilities. In scripture, this body is likened to the physical body of a person. While the physical body can learn to fuction without one of its parts, it will not move at full capacity nor function as well. The Body of Christ is the same, it does not function as well without all of its members either.
I like to think of the Body of Christ as a "Tool Box", each tool having its own unquie purpose. While it's possible to do some jobs without the correct tool, the job will not be completed as easily or sucessfully without it. For example, have you ever tried to loosen a tight nut with a pair of plyers? One can sometimes do more harm than good. But, tackle than same job with a socket wrench and you will be more secessful and have all the skin on your knuckles.
As we learn to use and respect the critical differences of the tools in our box, we should also learn to respect the uniqueness of those individuals in the Body of Christ and encourage one another in the use of the unique talents and gifts God has given to all of us.
Is there someone you know who could use a little encouragement to use their gift or talent for the Body of Christ? Give them a call, sometimes that's all it takes.
The Truth
1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Unity and Diversity in One Body)
