One Body
When I’m out shopping, or walking, and I see a baby, toddler or child with an adult, I like to look at them both, to see what features they share. Sometimes, I can clearly see that that child has his/her parents shape and colour eyes. “oh, he has your shape mouth!” “She will be tall like her daddy because her legs are long.” “He has his mothers hair.” “He talks and behaves like his dad.” You can tell they are one family, even though they are diverse individuals.
That’s how it is in the family of God. Once we are “born again,” “water baptized” and “filled with the Holy Spirit of God,” into God’s family, we may be diverse in our nationality, culture and characteristics, it is the Holy Spirit of God, that helps us to become and function as one. Just like the Holy Trinity. In 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27, the Apostle Paul clearly explains the unity and diversity of the human body. He then explains how this analogy helps to describe the members of the Christian faith. It would be rather strange if all we saw entering the church building were lots and lots of mouths. Or lots and lots of hands, but no arms and I body attached to them. We are all different, with different abilities and capabilities, for the body of the church to function properly. Once you have made a full commitment to Jesus, you become a part of the family or body of God.
The question is, which part are you? I can’t disown my ears because it’s not my eyes. I can’t disown my feet, because they are not my hands. I need to accept, care for and use all the parts of my body, for me to function correctly. Infact, there are aspects of myself, that is not seen by others, but if I ignore them and not take care of them, that area can bring pain, grief and harm, to the rest of my body. (1 Corinthians 12:23 -25) God has placed you, and members of your church family in the body (of the church) just as He pleased. (1 Corinthians12: 27 – 30)
Which part are you? Are you trying to be a part you were never meant to be? During your prayer and fasting this week:
• Give God thanks for the unity and diversity of Himself, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
• Ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal and manifest your gift/ position in the body of the
church. Especially to the appointed Pastors or leaders of the Church you are a member of.
• Ask Jesus to help you to accept who you are and function in that role, with the Help and
empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Even if you are not behind the pulpit, or in a position seen
by others. You are still an important part of the church.
• Ask the Lord to fill the members of the Church with the Holly Spirit, as He did his disciples, so
that everyone, becomes a powerful witness of Him- Jesus.
Prayer and Fasting Focus: Unity and Diversity in the Holy Trinity
Sub-heading: One Body
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 27
Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 12: 27
“Now you are the body of Christ and members individually.” (New King James Version)