Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 12-13
Scripture Focus: Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Corinthians 12.27)
Devotional Thought: A few weeks ago, I found myself in a great place - Mackinac Island, MI. While there, I saw firsthand the truth of Paul's words: "Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." Each one of us enjoyed the trip as individuals, but we also enjoyed it as a family. Over the few days we were together, family members "took turns" being sick with a 24-hour bug. When one of us was sick, however, the others immediately did what was needed to make up the difference. Emily couldn't care for Ellis... We took up the slack. Amy couldn't oversee the schedule... We teamed up to make sure we kept moving through all the activities. The family and the family members had a great time!
Paul said that the Church is like that - both the team and the individual are important. The "you" who are "the body of Christ" is plural. That is the team, the family. The members are individuals. For the body to function, the plural and the singular have to be working together. The team needs all the members. The members need the team. And, sometimes compromise by individuals is necessary, so that the whole family can get the job done.
Christ said he would build his Church and the gates of Hades would not prevail against it. The Church will accomplish its mission - rescuing lost souls - together! But, how is he building this mission-accomplishing Church? What are the building blocks? Individual Christians! Without the individuals, the Church isn't being built. So, let's function as the body of Christ - many individuals working together for one mission.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that I am a member of the body, the Church of Jesus Christ! Help me to do my part, so that the Church may grow strong and accomplish her mission. All for the glory of God. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 115.14-18
14 May the Lord give you increase, you and your children! 15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
16 The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. 17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!
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