One body in Christ

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.

Part of my annual trip to Las Vegas is to attend a NASCAR race. The competition on the track is something I enjoy. And watching the teamwork demonstrated by each pit crew is akin to watching a ballet performance. The skill and performance under pressure of the pit crew is really something to behold. Especially when you consider the adjust the car, replace four tires, and fill the fuel tank in about 17 seconds.

An interesting part of being a follower of Jesus Christ is participating in serving. Each and every one of us have God-given gifts which we have been blessed with so that we may fulfill the will of God. These gifts are poured into us so that we may serve for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12 4-11 reminds us of the gifts given. Not all have the same gift(s). Some have gifts of healing, prophecy, teaching, or comforting to name just a few. There is a purpose for these gifts. The “common good” referred to is simple. We have two commandments given us by Christ in Matthew 22:37-39. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In serving the Lord, fulfilling these two great, and honestly quite simple commandments we are given the gifts by the Holy Spirit. The great blessing of being a Christian is we love our neighbors, serve others out of love. We reach out to those in need of comfort, warmth, food, or just a sympathetic ear to listen not out of obligation to be saved. We love others because we were first loved. We who have been set free are free to serve. We are free to fulfill the will of God in our lives. We are saved by grace, not by works and that wonderfully liberating grace allows us to reach out to others in true love.

When we look into what our gifts are, we must also look into how we are using those same gifts. Are we serving (loving) others when we use the gifts.  And if in examining ourselves we find that we are not serving the will of God or are simply serving our selves, then it is time for a change. We who are blessed and loved must share those blessing and love by loving God and loving others. To do less fails to fulfill those two simple commandments. Similarly, if you are blessed with a gift, are you sharing that gift, or are you keeping it locked away? During this season of Lent, please take the time to examine what you have been given, and how you are using what you have been given. If a change is needed, then pray first for the courage to change and the wisdom for what to do. Then step forward in a fresh start.

PRAYER: Blessed Father in Heaven, You pour out Your love for all in the form of spiritual gifts. You give each of us the tools needed to fulfill Your will here on earth. Help us, Dear Lord, to find the purpose You have for us in Your kingdom. Guide us in our faith walk to fulfill that purpose in loving You and loving our neighbors. This we ask in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Amen.