March 12, 1999	I Corinthians 12:15-17
A Role For Every Member
"If the ear were to say, 'Because I am not an eye, I don't belong to the body,' that would not keep it from being a part of the body. If the whole body were just an eye, how could it hear? And if it were only an ear, how could it smell?" How many times do we compare ourselves to others and say, why can't I do what they do, or be as good as they are, whether it be in sports, singing, playing the piano, doing our job, being a parent, or even being a caring, giving Christian? Our world is so focused on being the best, and having the best and most of everything. We fill our lives with trying to accomplish every possible activity - to the point where I wonder if we're really achieving the intended purpose of the activity. God doesn't tell us we ALL have to be doctors, or lawyers, or accountants or a certain profession. He doesn't tell us we have to be good at EVERYTHING. What he does tell us, is that each person is given special gifts. And these gifts are not the same for everyone. We are not all hands, or eyes, or feet or ears. As the verse says, there is a purpose for each part of the body, and the body works together. Likewise, each person has special gifts and purposes. I believe God's desire is for each of us to find out what our gifts are, and use them to the GLORY OF GOD! And in doing so, we can all help each other as a part of the body of Christ. I challenge each of us to find out what our gifts are and to use them to GOD'S GLORY!
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help us to search out and find our special gifts. Help us to willingly use these gifts for your glory. Amen.

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