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May 27 For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:12,13. The body of Christ is remarkable for its variety. And yet it is equally remarkable because it is all one in Christ. Often I can wonder why some members are given gifts that truly stand out from among us, and the result is that I sometimes wonder why I do not have that gift. Some are so eloquent in their prayers, while I stumble through words that do not seem to flow together as well. Others have gifts of hospitality, while I am clumsy in this area. There are gifted teachers who can create intense interest in the Scriptures, while I may only see part of the meaning. Some are so gifted in the matter of love—they are able to detect the needs of others long before I do. What is the point of all of this? The answer is ‘we were all made to drink of one Spirit.’ Yes, the Spirit dwells among us and within us so that we each participate in the gifts of any one person. I am learning to rejoice while I listen and watch the gifts of others in the body, for in a very real sense I am experiencing their gift. All gifts are meant to be shared, and in so doing we share in Christ. Without this variety the body would be so boring. God has so fashioned the body that the immense variety is uniquely tailored to influence all manner of persons—even in spite of ourselves! Thank you Lord for making us all this way. Father, we are here to glorify You and Your Son, Jesus. He is the head of the body, and He is the body as well. We need to learn more of this each day, and I count on You to show me step by step how the body of Christ is working among us. We carry that body with us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for these precious gifts that we share with You. Amen. |
