Beautiful Word Devotional #199

Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.

1 Corinthians 12:22

Whenever you stub a toe—a seemingly unimportant appendage—you will better understand this verse. That toe is not a heart or a lung: it doesn’t sustain the body. It’s not a liver, cleaning our system of toxins. It’s not a protective immune system or nerve system, but that toe is necessary: it helps us walk and balance. And when it’s throbbing, we absolutely remember its importance.

As Paul pointed out, this principle applies to the body of Christ. We too often honor most those people who have up-front, flashy gifts. When this behavior discourages fellow believers—those with behind-the-scenes roles—the body of believers is weakened. Every single part of a body is important, every single part of Christ’s body serves a specific and vital role, and every single part of Christ’s body needs to be appreciated and affirmed.

Are you feeling like a toe on the body of Christ today? Remember this: you play an important role.

Lord, help me be aware of who in the body of Christ needs to be encouraged with words of love and appreciation—and then prompt me to speak them, amen.