This week’s devotions are based on Week 1 of Building Together: “It Takes ALL of us” (WATCH HERE)
Romans 12:4–8 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Imagine a body where every part decided it wasn’t really needed. The eye says, “I don’t need the hand.” The ear says, “I’m not important.” The foot says, “Someone else can do my job.” Before long, the body wouldn’t function the way it was designed to function.
Paul uses this picture to describe the church. We are not a collection of independent Christians who happen to worship in the same place. We are the body of Christ, and every member has a place.
Romans 12 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Notice where those gifts come from: grace. God gives them. They aren’t trophies we earn or abilities we develop so that we can become more important than someone else. They are gifts entrusted to us so that we can serve others.
That means there is no room for comparison.
The person who teaches shouldn’t look down on the person who serves. The person who leads shouldn’t think the person who encourages is less important. The person who gives generously may never stand in front of the congregation. The person who quietly prays for others may never receive recognition. Yet each one is contributing something the body needs.
Paul says, “The body is not made up of one part but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14).
Different gifts. Same purpose.
We can also fall into the opposite mistake. Sometimes we look at someone else’s gifts and think, I could never do that, so I must not have anything to offer. But God never intended you to be someone else. He didn’t give you someone else’s gifts because He has given you gifts of your own.
You don’t have to do everything. In fact, you can’t. No single person can carry the entire mission of the church. That’s why God gives gifts throughout the body.
Your gift may seem ordinary to you because it comes naturally. But what seems ordinary to you may be exactly what someone else needs.
An encouraging word can strengthen someone who is struggling. A meal can remind a family that they are not alone. A willingness to serve can make ministry possible. A generous gift can provide an opportunity. A listening ear can help someone see God’s grace in the middle of a difficult season.
A gift doesn’t have to be impressive to be important.
The question isn’t, “Do I have enough to offer?”
The question is, “What has God placed in my hands, and how can I use it for someone else?”
Christ has made you part of His body. He has given you a place. Nobody does everything…but, everybody does something!
Reflect
- What gifts, abilities, experiences, or opportunities has God given me that could be used to serve and strengthen others?
- Is there a gift or ability I have been keeping on the sidelines? What is one specific way I could put it to work this week?
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for making me part of the body of Christ and for giving me gifts according to Your grace. Forgive me when I compare myself with others or convince myself that what I have to offer isn’t important. Help me recognize the gifts You have placed in my hands. Give me a willing heart to use them, not for recognition or praise, but to serve others and build up Your Church. Show me where You are calling me to do my part, and use even the smallest acts of service for Your purposes. Amen.