Today’s scripture: Romans 12:1-8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
A student was answering a question as part of the requirement to be considered for admission to a university: “Are you a leader or a follower?” She dreaded answering this question, for she knew she was not a strong leader. But she really wanted to get accepted to this particular university. She wondered if she should give an impressive answer as a way to acceptance.
Honesty got the best of her so her reply was as follows:
“To tell the truth, I am not a leader in the usual sense of the word. I don’t shy away from challenges, for sure, but I am much more at ease being someone who provides behind-the-scenes support for others.”
She soon received the school’s response:
“Congratulations! We would like you to be one of our students. You see, out of 349 responses to the ‘Are you a leader or a follower?’ question, we were flooded with 348 people who claim to be leaders. We can’t possibly enroll that many leaders. We need at least one follower.”
The world would be a mighty boring place if everyone were to have been cloned from just one human being. Variety offers many opportunities for an assortment of contributions, but we can all work together and support each other. This is how Paul described the body of Christ in today’s passage and in 1 Corinthians. For example, what does the following conversation reveal?
Head: I’m the most important part of the body. I’m the control center.
Liver: Without me, your toxins would accumulate to lethal levels.
Blood: Get rid of me and you’d be gone in no time.
Lungs: We’re the most important part. We bring in oxygen.
Me: Hey, everyone, listen up. You’re all equally important because of your own unique contributions. Some of them may be more noticeable than others, but they’re all equally valuable.
Thinking about this debate, I had an urge to work a jigsaw puzzle, each puzzle piece a different shape and size. Seeing each piece of the puzzle occupy its own individualized place seemed to take on a renewed sense of importance.
Thought for the day: Teamwork!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.