Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

How would it make you feel if someone called you an ear? Would it give you warm fuzzies if your spouse or significant other called you a big toe? And if your best friend called you a nose, would it lead to a hug or a fight?

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the Church as a body, meaning every believer is a part of that body. Some are ears, some are toes, and some are noses, but we are all part of the body. And Paul teaches that no part of the body is less important because each part has a key role to play. Sure, some might be more glamorous than others, but each is a unique and essential part of the body. Each part of the body and every believer has a part to play; you have a part to play.

While each part has a different part to play, 1 Peter 2:9-10 give us a picture of what the whole body is working towards, and in a little more flattering language than Paul. Peter describes the believers as “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession.” That sounds a little better than being called an ear, but it comes with a high calling. We are called to “declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness.”

As part of a chosen, royal, holy, and special people called out of darkness, we must praise the one who pulled us out of the darkness. And through our praises, to point those still in darkness towards the light. When we have experienced the mercy of God, we become part of a body striving to spread that mercy throughout the world. So while you may not know if you are a nose or an ear, you can rest assured that your ultimate goal is to help those in darkness find the source of wonderful light.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever accepted that in Jesus, God sees you as chosen, royal, holy, and special?
2. What gifts/talents do you have that could be used for the Kingdom?
3. Who is someone in your life living in darkness that needs to experience the light of Jesus?