In 2015, Derrick Rose, an All-Star guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA), faced another surgery after he tore the medial meniscus in his right knee for the second time in 15 months. The meniscus is a relatively obscure part of the human body, yet this essential piece of cartilage not only threatened Rose’s career, but also hurt his team’s chances of a championship and dashed the hopes of the city where he plays. What a large impact from such a small thing!
As we consider our own bodies, we can relate, for we need every part to pull together for the common good—even those we seldom think about. When was the last time you contemplated your meniscus, retina, or cochlea? Yet when these become inflamed or torn, their searing pain can cripple us.
Paul said that what’s true of our human bodies is also true for the body of Christ. There are no unnecessary parts. The internal organs we think about the least are the ones we may need most. We can lose a limb but not our lungs, a hand but not our heart. “So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen” with the shield of our rib cage (1 Corinthians 12:23).
There are no expendable parts, for “God has put each part just where he wants it” (1 Corinthians 12:18). Think about that for a moment. God has placed you in your local church for a reason. You have a role that other members depend on. It’s why they miss you when you’re not there.
The next time you gather with God’s people, look for what needs to be done. It may not be a role on the platform. It may be something like serving in the nursery or actively listening to those who are hurting. Do it for Jesus, as if His body depended on it. Because it does.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 18:1-24
More:
Read Romans 12:5-21 to learn how God may have gifted you to serve His church.
Next:
How are you serving the body of Christ? How does it bring Him honor and glory when you use the gifts He has given you?
Gary Shultz on September 21, 2016 at 7:00 am
All true Mike all true. I have to mess with this a little today. Exactly who is a part of the local church body? We all know being a part of the church universal is to be born into the family of Christ, but what about the local church. Because one shows up periodically, is one part of the body (church). The reason I ask that is because of the subject matter of today, are they a part? To me to be a part one must be joined not by paper or list, but by being committed to the body. I don’t think occasional attenders are real part of the body nor should they think the body is part of them. When a committed part is hurt or absence, yes there is a void. An illness, a loss, and the impact of death are felt by the body in whole. Your statement about serving, I’m sure is a picture of that commitment. Like many people today, some want the benefit of a relationship without the commitment. Does not work for me. Thanks Mike.
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 7:12 am
Ooh…I so agree with you, BWO!
hsnpoor on September 21, 2016 at 10:36 am
I also concur, Gary! Great point about relationship without commitment; like friends with benefits.; it just doesn’t work. That mindset; however, is probably why we see such a proliferation of the “mega-churches”. And, I don’t mean that to be as negative as it sounds. I honestly believe/know there is some good teaching and good work coming from & through mega-churches (since my church has 2-3,000 members, I guess we would fall into a mini-mega church category), but they are also a good place for folks to show up, but feel perfectly comfortable in “hiding out” and not committing to God’s program. It’s a problem and how we respond is tricky, slippery territory.
Mike Wittmer on September 21, 2016 at 4:30 pm
This is right on, Gary. I believe both membership and commitment are vital in a local church. I know membership isn’t popular these days, but why wouldn’t we want to belong to a local body of Jesus? I agree with the great theologian, Beyonce, who said, “if you like it then you should have put a ring on it.” :0 But membership alone isn’t enough. We need to serve too. I have a pastor friend who says there are many other churches that can meet your needs better than us, but if you’re looking for a church that needs you, a church where you can plug in right away, then we’re for you!
hsnpoor on September 21, 2016 at 8:42 pm
LOL!
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 7:09 am
Mike, I’m convinced that God created that last little digit on our hands and feet to remind us of this truth. Do you realize how handicapping it is to function with an injured (or missing) pinkie or little toe? Or the strength that comes from these small appendages? These digits may seem insignificant, but the pain that shot up my leg the last time I stubbed my little toe reminded me that every part of the body is there for good reason. I’m sure you’ve heard the marriage illustration that if a husband and wife were the same, one of them would be unnecessary. I think the same applies in the Body of Christ. We were made to operate in unity, not uniformity. Paul comically illustrates this point in the passage when he says, “How strange a body would it be if it had only one part!” I’ve watched enough sci-fi to get a picture in my mind of how weird that would look. 🙂 Thankfully, that has never been God’s design for our physical bodies or His Church body. He has created both with diversified parts and functions to be a reflection of His glory. I pray that each of us would realize and fulfill our unique and necessary part in Christ’s body today. Thanks for the encouragement, Mike. A blessed day to you and all my fellow travelers!
hsnpoor on September 21, 2016 at 10:43 am
Reminds me I need to get to the podiatrist for a small problem with my big toe that will get bigger if left unattended. Isn’t that true of everything we know we should do, but don’t do? If I’m not mistaken, I think the Bible calls that sin; although, I don’t think not going to see the podiatrist rises (or maybe sink is the right word) to that standard.
Mike Wittmer on September 21, 2016 at 4:33 pm
gagirllive, this is very true. Do you know what part of my body I’m thinking about? Whatever happens to be hurting! 🙂 The part may be small, but I really need it and want it to be healthy. I think Jesus feels the same way about us. I’d rather be a pinky toe in the body of Christ than the head of anything else.
Gary Shultz on September 21, 2016 at 7:25 am
Mike, before I get out for the day I did want to say a few more things. I so appreciate that you often answer these posts. The list of those that do has shortened as of late, to me that is a loss. A response from the author of the post is so relevant to the impact of the post as a whole. There are still a few who weigh in regularly, I know that not all have the schedule to afford the return trips. Like myself, they sort of put the thought of the day out there and must be engaged in other calls of duty. In light of today’s reading, coming back to care for this ODJ body is so healthy to us. So no matter how much I question or twist with a subject you are gracious to respond. Thanks Mike, and to the other that come back to encourage us, Mike thank you.
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 7:38 am
I concur with this too, Gary! I love when they engage with us on the forum!
Gary Shultz on September 21, 2016 at 7:55 am
Gagirl, I’m just going to stay on a roll. Even though I don’t engage in many protracted conversations, I have also grown to enjoy the perspective you girls bring. You are a woman of great knowledge and insight and usually have a different point of view than I even considered. So we do this thing of “parts”, some of the others add in, I get to email Kim from time to time. So we should also encourage each other. Thanks for the difference, gender, location, and personality. Even time differences create a different approach, Kim has become an answer specialist because she is three hours behind the eastern block. So, thanks for your commitment, I think your way smarter than I, but we make up this ODJ family and I would miss you if you were not here to make the posts more meaningful. Thanks Gagirl, you could leak your real name, unless your CIA.
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 8:24 am
LOL!!…bro, you are making my day! I’m liking this unusually “chatty” side of you. 🙂 You make a great point as to how this very forum illustrates today’s topic. I love the different and diverse backgrounds, personal experiences, and unique points of views shared here too. It is a joy to come to this table (almost) everyday and find the encouragement I need to keep on keeping on. I really do look forward to the day when we are fully disclosed to one another. In the meantime, I like keeping a little mystery in the mix…so no leaks from me, friend. 🙂 And wise is way better than smart. You are light-years ahead of me, BWO!
hsnpoor on September 21, 2016 at 10:57 am
Wow, Gary! You really are on a roll today and I’m loving it! I also love and appreciate the fellowship and bonds within the ODJ community and I can definitely see the hand of God at work in the sharing and caring that takes place here. I’ve learned so much from those who comment regularly, as well as those who just peek in and contribute occasionally or rarely. Gary, you truly are beloved and wise and GG, you are one of the smartest and best read (smile) ladies I’ve had the pleasure of being acquainted and you’re a great facilitator and gatekeeper, to boot, Sandy is such an encourager and godlove takes things to a deeper level that often makes me go “hmmm”. OK, I’m just gonna say it: “what a fellowship, what a joy divine”! Love you all, my siblings in Christ, even if I haven’t called you by name. And Gary, I know I owe you a reply and I promise it’s coming…soon!…:)!
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 11:23 am
LOL…and what a void there would be without you, Kim! You are one straight-shooter in sharing what “thus saith the Lord”. I love that about you! (Just need to teach you how to make real smiley faces.) 🙂
godlove on September 22, 2016 at 4:35 am
Thanks very much hsnpoor, really nice compliment to have from you. I’m always happy to read the comments from every brother and sister here as well, and each time one of the regular voices is absent I find myself wondering why they didn’t post and hoping they are alright. It’s nice to have this warm family of believers with whom to exchange everyday. My time zone is so many hours ahead of you all in the US that when I’m here in the morning (usually more appropriate for me), I find that it’s all very quiet and lonely in here. This is the reason why I rather prefer to come over here towards the end of my day (or the following morning as is regularly the case lately): it enables me to read the replies and discussions which add so much to the day’s devotional in terms of different perspectives. Just like the different parts in the body 🙂
gagirllive on September 22, 2016 at 8:59 am
I do the same thing, godlove! When one of us “regular posters” goes missing for more than a day or two, I miss you and say a prayer that all is well. I’ve become quite fond of and attached to you all! 🙂
porbeagles4life on September 21, 2016 at 8:56 am
Currently, I don’t belong to a church. I haven’t gone to a church service in at least 15 years in fact. But that fact nags at me. I’m relatively new to the area in which I live, and I know that my sense of isolation would greatly be eased if I had a sense of belonging to a greater body. Even if I don’t go, I know my individual communion with God is still sufficient because even though it’s not in a church specifically, I try to help others as much as I can, and work to fulfill His will, not mine. Still… belonging to a congregation may be something I really need to consider.
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 9:19 am
Oh my goodness, yes, porbeagles4life! You definitely need to attach yourself to a local family of believers. Not only are you disobeying an explicit directive from scripture, you are missing out on all the blessings that come with being in a community of believers—blessings that you can give as well as receive as you use the unique gifts that God has given you in the body of Christ. Think of it—how can your hand, eye, or any other part of your body be a healthy functioning member when it is off somewhere by itself, unattached to the whole of you? It just wasn’t designed to work that way, my friend. God has more for you than what you are currently experiencing. I pray that you will soon find the rest of yourself in a local church!
hsnpoor on September 21, 2016 at 11:11 am
Your individual communion with God is not sufficient (Hebrews 10:25). As GG noted, being out of fellowship is being disobedient to what sayeth the Lord and the more familiar name for that is sin. You know that in your own spirit which is why it “nags at you” and no amount of “good works” will overcome the “nagging” that is a result of your disobedience. God created and designed us to function in community, not to attempt to be a “Lone Ranger Christian”. By anyone’s standards, 15-years is a very long time to be in opposition to the Lord’s guidance on this matter and it really sounds like you know it and are not happy about where it’s taken you. You have the means and ability to change your course and I urge and implore you to NOT consider finding a church a home, but rather, in obedience to the Savior and in the spirit of Nike, just DO IT! I pray the Lord will lead you and guide you to the congregation that is currently not complete and functioning the way they should be because you are not there. I won’t wait for the victory, I’m shouting now!
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 11:27 am
Case in point, straight-shooter! 🙂
hsnpoor on September 23, 2016 at 11:26 am
… 🙂
hsnpoor on September 23, 2016 at 11:26 am
I did it!!!!
minkjh on September 21, 2016 at 1:04 pm
I hear your plea and recognize how troubling this must be to your heart, porbeagles4life. There is much comfort and joy to be realized when one is engaged corporately with other believers in the worship of Almighty God. Be assured that we will be praying for the Holy Spirit to guide your steps during this time of discernment. I know Our Daily Bread Ministries can provide assistance in helping you on this journey. Two publications come to mind that perhaps one of the writers would be able to get into your hands- ‘The Way Back’ and ‘How To Recognize A Good Church’. Both of these were written by Richard De Haan many years ago but their messages remain solid foundational truth for today.
Mike Wittmer on September 21, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Thank you for sharing this, porbeagles4life. You are right about the value of attending corporate worship. God promises to meet us there in a way we can not duplicate on our own. One pastor friend says it is like going to the concert rather than listening to CDs of the musician. Please do look for a gather of believers who teach and try to follow the Bible. I can’t think of anything more important for us.
envirotact on September 21, 2016 at 9:38 am
Are there any real churches out there still? Uncompromising? Aren’t we in the official Laodicean Church age now?
gagirllive on September 21, 2016 at 10:02 am
Envirotact, it can be disheartening to see all the brokenness, disobedience, and apathy that is evident in so many—“little c”—churches today. But I believe very much that God’s people—His world-wide Church, though frail as we are in humanity, are still carrying out His will down here on planet earth. Certainly we can identify with the seven churches in the book of Revelation, especially the Laodecians, but let’s not lose sight of how God is still working through us to make Himself known in the world. I have mentioned a number of times on this forum about the persecuted believers around the world who put me to shame when I consider their devotion to Christ at all costs. Their extreme adversity has sifted out and raised up a remnant of true saints of God. I often wonder if that is what it will take in our neck of the world to awaken us to the reality of a life of true discipleship. Perhaps that time is coming sooner than we think. All the more reason to find ourselves connected and engaged in a local, faithful body of saints, don’t you agree?
hsnpoor on September 21, 2016 at 11:17 am
envirotact, in answer to your questions: Yes, I think so. Probably not. Perhaps. Now a question of my own: What’s your point?
peejesusc on September 22, 2016 at 2:44 am
envirotact, Please, yes there are. Well my Church is very real, not perfect but very real. Perfection will come when we are glorified but at least for now we are working on our progressive sanctification. Thank God for our justification already. What an impact today’s devo has made in my life and others in this forum. Priceless. Thanks to Mike, Gary, GG, Kim, Sandy etc also you and those who do feel like you do, its all for our mutual encouragement and I truly hope you see the point here and be encouraged. Lets not look for perfect Churches now, we CANT find any for now till we are glorified: if God’s agenda/structure as displayed in His word has not changed, and yes, it can NEVER change. Instead envirotact, seek opportunities through which you can make one ‘real’ in your perspective. Hopefully this helps you but keep in mind, you are not able to make one real so you don’t get discouraged. God bless.
hsnpoor on September 23, 2016 at 11:24 am
It is now the 23rd and I’ve checked back to see if there was a reply from envirotact to my question. It crossed my mind again this morning and I wanted to comment that I never understood the descriptions of the 7 churches in Revelation to refer to an “age” of church history/conduct; but, rather several different types of churches that could be found at anytime throughout the church age. I suspect that all 7 types are currently operative, in one form or another, right now in the world. Anyone have any thoughts they’d like to share on this?
youssef1777 on September 21, 2016 at 2:52 pm
THE REAL PEACE YOU ONLY FIND IN JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR . I LOVE MY LORD AND TRUST IN YOU . GOD BLESS ALL .