Following Jesus TogetherSample

Why would a foot think it doesn’t belong with the body? It seems nonsensical to us, and yet it is so common for believers to think they don’t belong with a church, as if being part of a church is only for some types of Christians. The more private types can just cut themselves off without inflicting any harm on themselves or on the church they belong to.

What happens to a foot that gets amputated? The foot will die. Believers who cut themselves off from the family of God are putting their spiritual welfare in jeopardy. What happens to a body that loses a foot? There is a lot of pain, suffering, and struggle as the body loses an essential member and has to learn to cope without it.

All of us are essential members of our church. The gospel of Jesus, that he would give his life on the cross to purchase us as a member of his own body, affirms that in the sight of God, all human life is precious and purposeful. None of us are forgotten by God in his affection for creation or in the grand purpose of bearing his image. The gospel offers us dignity – God has prepared good works for us to do. He hasn’t saved us so we can sit in pews watching other people serve him, but so that we can serve him, each in unique ways.

Some are gifted teachers. Some are helpers. Some have great discernment, and some work wonders in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through each member of the church in different ways, as he wills. We don’t all have the same gifts, but we all have the same end goal: serving one another for the common good and for the kingdom of Jesus, that he would be known as Lord.

You add value to the church because God is working through you, and he has placed you with a family of believers for a reason. As we explore the opportunities we have to use our gifts in service to others, we find joy in worshipping God with our gifts, and we find a sense of belonging as we discover our own special place in the body of Jesus.

How can you explore your gifts in service to others this week?