Door Latch
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Romans 12:27
INSIGHT
Our house is beginning to show its age and "character." One thing after another is breaking, needing repair, or demanding our attention. As soon as we fix an issue, something else pops up. At this rate, my wife and I will quickly replace Chip and Joanna Gaines as the kings of the fixer-upper.
We tackled a fickle dryer a few months ago that would spin but refused to warm up. So, off we went, watching YouTube videos and dismantling our Whirpool piece by piece. The culprit, a heating element on the fritz, a simple, small break in a single coil.
We put everything back together, attempted to turn it on, and nothing. Finally, after pulling my hair out and muttering under my breath, I noticed the door was ajar, which sparked this discovery: the plastic door latch had cracked. A piece, costing maybe $1, that would seem so insignificant at first glance, kept the dryer from doing what it was designed to accomplish.
Maybe it's just me, but it boggles my mind how a massive machine like my Whirpool dryer, and all the parts that make it up, cannot function correctly if one component fails to stay engaged. Each piece matters. Each piece has a purpose and role.
The same holds for the body of Christ. But, if I'm honest, at times, I doubt whether my contribution makes much of a difference. Thousands of other people could take my place and fill my role and probably accomplish more than I ever could.
When I shared these thoughts with a good friend, they assured me I was correct. "Yes, there are tons of people who could fill in and knock it out of the park." Not quite the encouragement I was looking for, until I realized they paused and continued with, "But, God decided to place you right where you are at, and that's no accident."
This is true. God called me to be a husband to Jenn and a father to two beautiful girls. He made me a son, a brother, an uncle, a son-in-law, a friend, a co-worker, and a neighbor. Of all the places in the world, God plopped me down in Southeastern NC, made me fall in love with it to the point we call it home. He brought me to Port City and surrounded me with a community where I could serve and be known. He provided me with gifts and talents to write and communicate. He wired me in a way with a unique personality and mindset. All of those things make me who I am.
Understanding and recognizing the opportunities for me to contribute enable me to trust and know that my part matters. Now, look at your life – because it matters too. Reflect on the ways God has gifted you. Consider your circle of influence, passions, interests, and resources. It might not seem like it, but God placing you where you are is also no accident.
By engaging in the places where you live, owning the roles you've been given, and stepping into opportunities, not only do you open yourself up to be used and stretched, but you also help bring fullness to the picture of the body of Christ.
Each part matters, including your own.
REFLECTION
Do you believe your part matters to the body of Christ? Why or why not? What makes you answer in the way that you do?
PRAYER
God, thank you for making me the way that You have. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than my needs, agenda, and wants. Help me own my contribution - to view it as valuable, worthwhile, and significant. Let what I do and who I am bring honor to Christ. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.