The Gift of the Outsider: 6 Days of Faith From the MarginsShembull

Becoming One Body

Regardless of our physical or ideological distance from each other, or the different roles we play within our churches or communities, we need each other. Like the eye and hand in 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, you might also harbor misguided opinions about other parts of the body that lead you astray from God’s design.

But the picture Paul gives of the body of Christ means missing or injured parts equals a broken whole. We are vital to each other’s health.

Paul’s words also reveal that what we consider honorable does not always align with God’s estimation. God searches out the places where people are not honored and bestows them with honor. He does this not to cause division but to erase it. It is clear that it’s not difference that creates division but the arbitrary assignment of honor within its ranks.

Scripture also points to God as the ultimate victim of our disobedience. When God’s people demand a king for Israel in 1 Samuel 8:7, God tells Samuel they aren’t rejecting the prophet but God himself.

In Psalm 51:4, David confesses, “Against you, you only, have I sinned.” Proverbs 14:31 reminds us, “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker.”

Whether good or bad, God sees how we treat the outsider—in action, word, thought, or disposition of our heart—as how we treat Him.

When we cannot be bothered to take up their burdens, learn from them, or build community with them, pride has us in its grasp.

Outsiders bear the image of God. Insiders and outsiders in the church share a common citizenship. Ephesians 4:4‐6 says, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

In a community where vision is appreciated, the majority members have the humility to listen to the insights outsiders may have about internal culture.

Where interdependence is valued, our neediness connects us to each other and God without shame.

When we value true freedom—rather than just personal freedom— we refuse to let power, comfort, or greed corrupt ourselves or our communities.

Christ was the consummate insider who became an outsider for us. And before departing, He left us this encouragement: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

Let us trust, stretch, adore, depend, give, endure, suffer, and seek justice out of reverence for Christ, who trusted, stooped down, loved, depended, gave, suffered, and endured for our eternal good.

Reflection

Think about a time when you were an outsider. What did that feel like, and how did you respond?

What rhythms can you build into your life to encourage a deeper sense of humility? What about compassion, empathy, or anything else that might help you better serve others?

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We hope this plan was helpful to you. You can read more from Alicia Akins in her book, The Gift of the Outsider, available here.