If We Are the Body...

Have you ever felt the conviction to reach out to someone? Or maybe just felt the need, to give them a kind smile? Never ignore these opportunities to share God's love to people. We are guilty of neglecting these moments because we get too comfortable in our own Jesus bubble, because we forget that shining God's light is our job as the body of Christ.

As the body of Christ, we are called to be one. In 1 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church of Corinth, and instructing them on how to be a church. One passage in Chapter 12, starting in verse 12, is titled "One Body, Many Parts." Verse 12 says this: "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts, and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is is with Christ."  The passage goes on to say, that no two people in the church are gifted in the same way, we are all different, but yet we are called to bring our uniqueness to the table and work together to achieve unity in Christ. It also makes very clear, that no one part of the body can work without the other. Verse 21 says: "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!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.." So, you see, every single one of us are important because we are all called to do one thing, and that is share God's love.

This song by Casting Crowns captures the essence of exactly what we as Christians tend to fall into. We get too comfortable in our own church family, that if someone new and different were to come in on Sunday morning, instead of welcoming them with open arms, we may shun them or wonder "What are they doing here?" There's a verse in the bridge of this song that says "Jesus paid much to high a price, for us to pick and choose who should come. We are the body of Christ."  Who are we to judge another person we know nothing about? A person who may be seeking what we have in our hearts, a person who maybe looking for encouragement and kindness. If we are the body.. why aren't we reaching out to them and teaching them God's word? Why aren't we loving them as God loves us? 

I'm sure you've all heard the saying "You may be the only Bible some people every read." There is so much truth in this statement. Why is it so hard for us to step down from our pedestals and reach out to people? With something as simple as a smile, or a small conversation starter such as: "Hi, how are you?" Something that small could change someone's life forever.

The next time you hear that still small voice telling you to go out of your way to show God's loving kindness, I encourage you to follow through. Don't hesitate. If we are the body, if we are to be his hands and feet, opportunities such as these, no matter how minuscule they may seem, are precious. Take advantage of them, and you will find yourself being touched as well.

Let Us Pray.

Dear Lord,

Thank for this day and all you have given us. God, I pray that you will help us to follow through with the duties of being the body of Christ. Let us shine your light in the darkness of this world. Let us show it through our words and through our smiles. So that maybe, just maybe someone who does not know you will see that small spark that sets us apart from the rest of the world, and that maybe that curiosity would be enough for them to seek you. God, help us be your hands and feet. Help us to NEVER forget the price you paid on Calvary. We are forever in debt to you, yet you forgive us daily. The least we can do is show that same grace and mercy to other people.

It's in Your Name We Pray,

Amen.