The Pursuit: Chasing After Your New Life in ChristНамуна

“Getting Down the Basics: The Church” Have you ever known someone who was deaf or blind? Surely, it can be frustrating not to be able to do something with your body that most everyone else can do. If you stop and think for a moment, you can probably remember a time when you wanted to do something but your body would not cooperate. In today’s reading, you might have caught the word “body”? What does Paul mean? The body Paul is talking about isn’t a human being, but the Church. Did you ever stop to think about God and church? Sometimes we forget that God made the church. He created it so that we would have a place to gather, to strengthen one another, and be strengthened by each other. He also created the church to accomplish His plans on earth. For 2000 years, God has been using churches to spread the message of Jesus and the hope He brings to life. Now where do you fit in there? You may think, “It’s not important if I’m at church. I’ve got nothing to offer. I’ve only been a follower of Christ for a short time. Surely God doesn’t want to use me.” But if you think that, it is not true. In the verses you read today, you see that Paul says everyone has a gift. The church needs everyone. Otherwise, the church risks becoming one-dimensional, everyone being the same. That is not what God had in mind. Every person who is saved by Jesus has a part to play in the church, even you. What do you need to do? First, go to church. Meet people both older and younger than you. Give them a chance to get to know you. Second, offer to help. If you have a talent or ability, let people know that you are willing to volunteer your time at the church. Your church is looking for someone just like you. Take a few minutes and thank God for the church. Thank God for creating a place to get His business done on earth. Thank Him that it was through the work of a church that you came to know Christ. Thank Him for allowing you to serve in the church. Ask God to reveal to you your role in the church.