1 Corinthians 12:18-26
When serving the church people often times think too small thereby limiting their own growth and other's around them. They might only see themselves as a choir singer or the Sunday school
teacher. When they are not naturally gifted at singing or teaching, often joy fades and they give-up.
When serving, it's time we stop thinking in terms of a "Sunday
only" establishment. The church is not a place or a time, rather it is a body of believers,
each one uniquely gifted by God to guide, help, challenge, and support the
rest. Most service to the Lord doesn't take place inside the church building.
It happens out-side the church walls and in the world, where we do the things
that Bible instructs.
Most believers are not in a position to influence a lot of
people. When we act or speak, only those closest to us notice, but a chain
reaction ripples outward to affect an entire community. Paul's metaphor of body
parts working together harmoniously is a helpful description of how one small
action can have a widespread impact. Consider the way tensing your big toe
keeps your foot stable and thereby steadies your whole body. In the same way, a
gentle rebuke, a listening ear, or a loving deed benefits the church by
strengthening one brother or sister, who then supports another.
