Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body … But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be …
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” …
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
(verses 14-16, 18, 21, 27)
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This passage speaks to all of those in the Body of Christ who have inferiority complexes, thinking they have only just made it in by the skin of their teeth, but really have nothing much to offer. Equally, it speaks to all those who have superiority complexes,who see themselves as having so much greater gifting than most everyone else, and therefore look disparagingly down their noses at the contribution of others. Wonderfully, the passage also speaks to all of us who find ourselves flip-flopping between both positions, sometimes feeling vastly inferior to the rest and sometimes sensing that, in fact, we’re really quite a bit better.
Paul basically says, “Knock it off!” Don’t you realize? It is the Lord God himself who has placed every single one of us in the body, gifting us in exactly the way he himself has seen fit. “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”
If that’s the case (and it is!), the implication is that every part is needed. Say that again with me: “Every part is needed!” This is the phrase that needs to be repeated again and again by those who suffer inferiority, as well as by all who can’t get over their own superiority. Every part is needed!
If you catch yourself thinking, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” remember: Every part is needed, including you. If you find yourself looking up to some in the church who lead worship or preach or evangelize, and find yourself thinking that your gift (of service or prayer or mercy or administration or whatever else) is so much less glamorous, or powerful, or needful, then stop yourself in your tracks and remember: Every part is needed! The Lord himself says so. He anointed you by his Spirit to carry out your specific part. Rejoice.
And if you, as an “eye,” find yourself looking down at a “hand” and thinking, “I don’t need you,” then stop yourself in your tracks and remember: Every part is needed! That’s the Lord’s plan. From all eternity, it’s been his plan. Every part of the Body is immensely valued by him. So how can you possibly see things differently?
Bottom line: “you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.” Each specially gifted by the Lord himself. Each carrying immense value. All parts placed in the body “just as he wanted them to be.” Everyone needing everyone else in order to experience the fullness of what the Lord has in mind.
So, take yourself seriously. Take everyone else seriously. Participate. Give. Receive. Honour the Lord in it all.
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Sovereign Lord, thank you that you have orchestrated this wonderful mix of humanity who make up the Body of Christ. Thank you for the rich expression in each local gathering. Big and small, with different characteristics and strengths, you have built communities together to honour Christ. Thank you that you have a place for each one of us. With eyes and hearts open to the gifting of those around us, use us for your purposes. All to your glory. Amen.
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Reflect:
Where has the Lord placed you to live out the gifting he has given? Do you struggle with inferiority or superiority, or both? Talk to the Lord about it.
And, if you’re not sure which local expression of his body he’s called you into, ask him. Listen. Make choices to engage.
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Photo by Owen Beard on Unsplash
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