I was a chubby kid growing up with a mild activity level. While my mind wanted to perform feats of bravery and scale a 10ft fence in one fell swoop, my weight kept me closer to the ground. One weekend, I was over at my grandparent’s house and one of the cute neighborhood girls asked if I could come outside and play. Being the stud muffin I was back then, I figured I’d bless her with my presence (who are we kidding….she was bored, bless her heart–LOL!).  After a few minutes of being outside she seemed uninterested in the activities I continued to suggest. In an attempt to impress her I suggested we climb my Papaw’s pecan tree. Minutes later my chunky younger self was sweating to death while faking bravery and making my way higher in that tree. Being a proper southern gentleman, after climbing about 40 feet, I decided to take a break and sit down on a sturdy limb while I waited for her to catch up. Thirty seconds later I remember hearing her scream my name as I fell to the ground landing on my back, writhing in pain, and attempting to catch the breath that had been knocked out of me. After a long day in the ER, I left with a sore body, bruised kidneys, and a broken arm. The next 8 weeks were interesting as I learned to live life without the use of that arm. While I found ways to accomplish whatever I set out to do, every task was harder simply because I was, for the moment, mildly handicapped.

Have you considered how the body of Christ suffers when even one person chooses not to function in their gifting/anointing? Romans 12:4-8 states, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” We all have been gifted in different ways. We all make up parts of the body in our local churches.  We are also a part of the universal body of Christ. Some parts of the body seem insignificant and unnecessary yet God placed them there for a specific reason. While the body can still function without certain parts, it’s impossible for it to function to its fully intended capacity because of the void of those parts. A hand still works even if you lose a finger but there’s still the absence of a valuable part.  The body can function and survive without a gallbladder, appendix, or spleen but I assure you, there can be issues over time because of their absence.  What are you doing with what you’ve been given? Are you burying those talents like the slothful servant mentioned in Matthew 25? Or are you using those talents and gifting’s to benefit the kingdom?

Closing remarks and encouragement:  The body of Christ needs every part functioning at its greatest capacity. It’s my prayer that you never underestimate (or overestimate, for that matter) your value in the kingdom of God.  God doesn’t make spare parts. Find your place!  Lets work further the kingdom together!  Now……..get to work!

Have a blessed week, my friends!