Christ Church Daily Devotion Oct 29 2023

In this Daily Devotion, the scripture from 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 and 27 is discussed. It compares the body of Christ to a physical body, emphasizing that each member is important and necessary. Just as a foot or an ear cannot say it doesn't belong to the body, every member of the church has a role to play. The devotion encourages individuals to recognize their gifts and talents and actively contribute to the church community. It concludes with a prayer of gratitude for God's gifts and a request for guidance in serving the church. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for October 29, 2023. Today we will be reading from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 verses 12 through 20 and 27. Just as a body, the one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit, so as to form one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free. And we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so, the body is not made up of one part, but of many. Now if the foot should say, because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. When I was a freshman in high school, I broke my ankle playing football. It was in a cast for six weeks, and I had to use crutches to get around. I thought about that when I read this scripture this time. With assistance, I could still function and get where I needed to go, but nowhere near like I could before. That small ankle bone may not look as important as other parts of the body, but it is just as needed as every other part. When it was broken, my whole body was affected. The Apostle Paul used a great image here to communicate the importance of every member of the church. We all have been given various gifts, talents, interests, and ways of serving and contributing to the function of the whole church. When some are missing or unable to make their contribution, we figure out ways to compensate and keep on functioning, but it does affect us as a whole. Be assured that you have something to offer in the life of the church. Be assured that you make a difference, and be assured that you are needed. Please help us help each other know that. Today's Personal Worship Option Offer this prayer or one like it in your own words. Gracious God, thank you for all the gifts you have given me. Help me do my part in the overall functioning of your church, and guide me to regularly affirm others in your body as well. Through Christ, Amen.