Scripture to Read: Romans 12:4–5
Yesterday, we learned that God is the One who gave us the faith we have so that we can trust Him in all areas of our lives. Though we have all been given the same faith by God, we do not all have the same responsibilities in our service to our Lord. We know we’ve all been called to “make disciples” according to Matthew 28:18–20. But even in “making disciples,” we may all do it differently depending on the gifts and talents our Lord has given us. God tells us in Romans 12:4, For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function. God had Paul use our physical body as an example that though our body is one, it has many members with different purposes. Then, God had Paul continue in Romans 12:5, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. There are many members in the body of Christ, and all of us function within Christ’s body as one. But just like our physical body has many different functions, we all have different purposes within Christ’s body. What a great reminder that we all have an important job to do in Christ’s body, and if we’re not fulfilling that job, then we are hurting the rest of the body of Christ. Think of it this way, if we have a terrible headache, it can shut down our entire body. Let’s be sure we’re not causing hurt to Christ’s body but fulfilling our purpose.
Challenge & Application
· What do you see as your purpose within the body of Christ according to the gifts and talents God has given you?
· How are you guarding against being hurtful or even a hindrance to Christ's body?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!