Today’s Scripture: If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:15 NLT
Each of us are a part of the body of Christ. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 12:18 we are told God has put each where He wants it. So let’s review just a bit of 1 Corinthians 12 today and I encourage you to spend some time there listening to the Spirit as I know I will. Paul tells us that EACH of us are given special abilities by the Holy Spirit.
My special ability is not yours and yours is not mine. You and I are special in our own ways. Not only are we special but we are NECESSARY as stated in 12:22: “In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.” Who would it seem weakest to? Probably us as we question our importance. We ALL have something needed by others. Each and every one of us have special gifts and are a part of the same body.
Why do we spend so much wasted energy in trying to be someone we are not? God made us this way and has placed us where he wants us. Let’s just live our part today. Do you know what part and what gift you are? Recognize it and live it.
Today’s Prayer: Father God, thank You for creating me just as You have. Help me to know and be the spiritual gift and part of the body You created me to be. Keep evil doubts and insecurities far from me. Help me to be aware of the importance of my part. Help me to see other parts that need me and help me to recognize those who help me. Thank You for Your Body of Christ of which I have a vital part. Use me. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Yes! Great chapter reminding us to recognize our own gifts and the gifts of others. It precedes the ‘Love chapter.’ If we walk in God’s love, we will enjoy how God has made us and be grateful for the whole body!
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
And the greatest of these is love! He loves us, we love Him and love all others.
Agreed. And why spend so much time pursuing gifts that we have not been given when God has already gifted us? We are His and He equips us for our tasks. Good word Tom.
Thanks Bill, yes He has already given us all we need. May we use what we have where we are and be AMAZED!
Tom,
This needs to be read by more people! I will be shooting it over to Twitter so more folks have the chance to see this! Great post and the timing couldn’t be better!
Tom,
Your part, if you will, is doing exactly what it is you do: Encouragement and pointing us to the affirmations of our Father.
Thanks for the confirmation my friend! With your heart and discernment of false doctrine, your confirmation brings heart and I do appreciate it!
Thanks Donald! One day I will figure out how to get on Twitter and learn to tweet these things! Thanks for your faithfulness!
Interesting you spoke on this today. Maybe men do not wrestle as much with this as women but I wrestle with this. It is not so hard for me to accept myself or my gifts but I desire and need the acceptance of those significant others around me. When that does not happen we tend to get jealous of others’ gifts and even pursue other gifts. Thanks for reminding us that when we use the gifts we were given we are most pleasing to God.
Sometimes we think others gifts are superior for some reason. We are gifted, each in our own way and we are equally vital. May we use the gifts we have to the fullest! Thanks for sharing Patsy
” Let’s just live our part today…. Recognize it and live it.”
Well said, Tom.
Thanks Dustin, live it out loud!