The whole body…grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:16

Imagine waking up one morning and hearing whispers of this conversation coming from inside your body:

Toe: “I hate being way down here. Nobody ever notices me. They ram us against furniture and cram us inside dark shoes. The eyes get to see everything. People compliment pretty eyes. No one ever says we’re pretty. Why’d I have to be a toe?”

Eye: “I’m exhausted. Blink-blink-blink all day. This body can’t do anything without me. Stupid toes hanging down there, propped up, doing nothing while I have to read, study, and dodge pollen and bugs. This body doesn’t appreciate me.”

Hand: “I’m gonna slap the both of you if you don’t knock it off. You wanna know work? Try managing five fingers that are always doing separate things. Toe, I have to scratch you if you itch and rub your pollen, Eye. I’m tired of serving you.”

If we moved that conversation into the church, it might sound familiar. Jealousy, stubbornness, and conflict often define a particular church body so that nothing of eternal value is ever accomplished. All those who have been bought by the blood of Christ are parts of His body on earth. Just as our physical parts must cooperate and appreciate each other, so must each part of Christ’s body learn to value the unique contributions of every other part. A healthy spiritual Body can reach the world.

Final Thought:  Are you a help or a hindrance to the Body of Christ in reaching the world?

Prayer: Lord, I forget that my church is a part of your body on earth and I am a valuable member. If I despise, resent, or refuse to fulfill my role, your work suffers. Help me remember I’m not the whole body, but neither should I think I don’t matter. Amen.