We’re continuing our study of the building blocks. Have you completed your Soul Care Plan for 2018? Soul Care Plan Link Today’s topic is building block “W”, for Worship.
Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
In ancient times, “the body” was commonly used as a metaphor for human society. Even the whole cosmos was used as this metaphor, used to show how diverse parts are interdependent. As I read this passage with this in mind, these verses became even more powerful to me. Not only is Paul talking about the analogy of the human body to the church, but he is also talking about the diversity of human society in general. Paul says “all the members of the body, though many, are one body,” and Paul does not seem to exclude anyone when he says “all.” Diversity of gifts and the diversity of people are necessary for unity.
If we all are blessed by God with diverse gifts, and we each bring something to “the body” to make it whole, all are necessary in bringing about the Kingdom of God here on earth.
LifeJourney Church has sent money to help women and girls in Numule and Naruse, and we have sent people to Sudan since 2008 so that we can meet and learn more about the Sudanese communities, and see how our efforts over the last several years have made a difference. They have shared their stories with us and gave us a better understanding of what we can do to help, and how our giving has made a difference in the lives of the people there. We have supported girl’s education, women’s sowing co-ops, and reforestation efforts over this time.
In a very real way, we all go to Sudan with each trip. We are with all the families at Day Spring Center who are working to get back on their feet from homelessness when we serve breakfast on Saturday mornings. We are all praying with the person in the hospital when a Deacon or Pastor visits. In our diversity, we are one, and everything we do as part of the Body of Christ helps to bring about the Kingdom of God.
The next time you sweep the sanctuary, buy food for the DaySpring Center or a Giving Tree gift at Christmas, sponsor a CFI child, participate in an Oasis or a discipleship class, serve on a board, committee, or ministry team, or drop your tithe in the offering plate, just remember that it all adds to “the body” to accomplish all that we do to bring about the Kingdom of God.
And it can be the same with worship. It’s easy to think that worship is something we observe, or “consume.” Do you think the worship leaders work hard up front so everyone else just sits passively and soaks it all in? It takes all of us, bringing ourselves, our gifts, and our participating presence together, to make the whole of worship happen.
So whether your gift is to preach, or read scripture, or sing (either as part of the worship team or joining in with the congregation), or to fold bulletins, or work on the media or usher teams, or to work in the nursery or children’s church, or to show kindness to an old friend or a newcomer, or to lift the service up in prayer, it all adds to “the body” to accomplish all that we do to worship God.
Though we are many, we are one body, and “so it is with Christ.”
Thought for the day: How am I adding my piece of diversity to the body of Christ? What necessary part can I bring to worship?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.