YOU ARE NEEDED

 AUGUST 30, 2023

Romans 12:4-8

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

 

Romans 12 gives us a great picture of how God has designed us to operate as followers of Jesus, as the church, the Community of faith. He compares it to the body, which has lots of parts and various functions, but which all work together harmoniously to function in a healthy way.

You will note it teaches us that if any part of the body is dysfunctional or not operational, the whole body suffers. Which means, if we, as part of the body of Christ, are not using our gifts to serve the body of Christ, the body is suffering.

Do not misunderstand your place in the Community of Faith. You Are Needed!

So, let this be your encouragement to engage in what you’ve been created to do.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” You may not feel you have a contribution to make. But God says you do. And the best way to discover what that may be, if you’re unsure, is to begin to engage. Give serving a try. And keep trying until you find that thing that helps you experience both fruitfulness and fulfillment. 

You’ll be glad you did. And so will the body of Christ.

 

REFLECT

 

In what way can you begin to engage in serving in the body of Christ. To answer this think about what things concern you, where your passions lie, what you enjoy doing, what talents and gifts has God has given you.