Verse: Romans 12:4-5
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Devotional Thoughts:
I used to want to be like Adrian Rogers. Perhaps you aren’t familiar with Pastor Rogers – he’s the late pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. And he’s one of my ministry heroes. I used to want to be just like him. I listened to his sermons, modeled my preaching style after him (as well as one could), tried to turn a phrase like him (a futile endeavor) – I even interviewed his wife, Joyce, for a class project at one point.
But I came to a realization somewhere along the way. God only made one Adrian Rogers. He didn’t make two Adrians. I suppose He could, if He’d wanted to. But He only made one Adrian, and made him for a certain purpose. In the same way, He only made one Zac Hannaford, and He’s made him for a certain purpose.
We, as a church community, are one but yet many. One body, many members. None of us are the same. Each one of us are unique.
God has made each of us unique. He’s called us to different professions. Some of us work in the medical field, while some of us work in the fields as farmers. He’s given us different talents and natural abilities. Some of us can hear music, can sing and play instruments, while some of us are better with our hands, building and crafting things. He’s gifted us with spiritual gifts in different ways. Some of us love to lead a group in Bible study and prayer; however, some of us are terrified at the prospect of that, but love the idea of providing hospitality and making others feel welcome and appreciated.
And here’s the thing – none of those are better than the other. They’re just different. But, as the church community, they’re just different together.
Points to Ponder:
As a church community, we’re one body with many members. Paul carries this analogy further in Colossians 1:18 where he writes,
“And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church.”
As the body of Christ, we’re to be about the purpose of Jesus.
That means that we’re to take our own unique talents and spiritual gifts, and plug them into the church community in order to carry out the purposes of Jesus.
So question – how are you specifically doing that?
How are you using your God-given talents and spiritual giftings in order to further the work of the kingdom?
How could we, as a community, better play to our strengths when it comes to the ministry of our church?
Blessings,
Zac
