Daily Reflections on Rom. 12:1-2 (Bed, Bath and Body Works)

Body, mind and spirit all work together. Paul's admonition to present our bodies as a living sacrifice is tied to the renewing of our mind. Last night at our Bible study we were discussing the fact that our bodies are temples of God's Holy Spirit from 1 Corinthians 6. There Paul urges us to glorify God with our bodies but he has been talking areas of personal discipline and holy living. I liked what my friend, Donna said, "Every time I go to put something in my mouth, I'm gonna asked myself, 'Would Jesus want that in there?'"

Where have you been taking your body? What have you been doing with your body? What have you been exposing your body to? What are you ingesting through the eyes, ears, mouth? Are you taking care of your body physically? Are you giving it enough sleep? What you do to and with your body, you are doing to and with Jesus. Your body isn't your own. It belongs to Christ.

What I do with my body is under direction from my mind. By renewing my mind, aligning it with God's Spirit, my body becomes truly His. I can prove God's will through my connection with God. If I'm truly pursuing Him mentally, emotionally, spiritually, with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, my body will come along for the ride.

God, here's my body and my soul and my mind. I offer it to you. It's yours anyway. You bought and paid for it.

Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 12:4-11 (Unique)

The skit was hilarious. We had been studying this passage and other scriptures regarding the value of each individual and their importance to the the Body of Christ. It was Youth Night so our teens were in charge of the evening service. They wanted to teach what they'd been learning to the adults. As part of the service they came up with this idea of making various parts of the body out of cardboard, poster board, and markers. They wore them to do the skit.

They were fantastic. Imagine a huge talking nose and an ear, an eye, lips, arms, hands, legs and feet. They had this conversation about switching roles. It was gut busting when the hand and arm moved into position to scratch the big nose, nearly poking the eye out. As their conversation continued, they all talked about how they'd really be suited for different roles. Ultimately they decided they all had work together and each part was crucial to the health and well being of the body.

I wish we had a video, because it would have been a big hit on Youtube. I had never seen a more poignant illustration on the value of each person and their ministry to the body of Christ. The ridiculous image of a foot trying to do the ear's job allows you to get the point really quickly. Go ahead, try to picture a foot on the side of someone's head without laughing. It's a bizarre thought. I've seen some pretty big ears on people, but a foot?

God says that we're all fearfully and wonderfully made. He knit each of us together in our mother's womb. On top of that, He grants spiritual gifts to all believers in Jesus, special abilities for spiritual purposes. God has a plan and purpose for our lives. That's why we've all been uniquely designed and then altered in Christ.

God, use me how you wish. I don't want to try to force myself into a role that doesn't fit my design. I do, however, want to give myself over for full use in the areas for which You designed me to serve.

Daily Reflections on 1 Cor. 12:12-31 (You Don't Think Like Me)

Someone once said that if two people in a relationship thought the same on every subject, one of those persons was not necessary in the relationship. I know a lot of people who think harmony or unity in any relationship is about uniformity. If everybody just goes along, thinks the same way, reacts the same way, everything will be right with the world. Lack of confrontation and conflict makes everything okay. No need to challenge thought, just everyone agree.

What a strange world we'd live in if everyone's talents, insights, desires, thoughts, opinions, etc. were exactly the same. It's all our different gifts, insights, perceptions, talents that make the world go round. Farmers, doctors, builders, teachers, administrators, mechanics, accountants, nurses, bankers, policemen, firemen, architects, engineers, techies, all allow the world to function. When my tooth hurts, I'm glad there are dentists. When my A/C goes out, I'm glad there are hvac specialists/repairmen. When I'm hungry, I'm glad there are restaurateurs and chefs and waitresses.

We live in an interdependent world. We need each other. Societies couldn't advance without the diversity of interests, talents, views and thoughts. My life would be miserable without the diversity of people around me. I need people with different abilities around me. Stephen Covey tells the story of a couple he met with who were having marital problems because of their vast differences. He asked them how they got their children. Embarrassed the couple responded, "You know how." Covey then responded, "You got your children by valuing your differences." I admit, sometimes my wife drives me crazy, but I really value her difference. It can really be enjoyable!

It bothers me when The Church or a church or a group of believers or even a few Christians get into scuffles over who's right, who's in charge, or start whining about the differences of other believers. God designed His church with a multitude of differences and we need to learn to value our differences instead of devaluing or demeaning the other persons.

We are one body whether we like it or not. To cut off ourselves or to attempt to rid ourselves of parts of the body would be ludicrous. The church cannot exist or advance without musicians, teachers, planners, servers, pastors, caregivers anymore than society can exist without its diversity.

God, thanks for the diversity you put in the people around me. Help me to value each person for who you've created them to be. Help me to see my role and purpose in your kingdom. Help me accept the differences of others. Help me to see that I don't have to like everything around me or agree with everything around me. Thanks for creating the church as a body, with all its diversity.