Day 15: Many Parts, One Body

Opening Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:17–20 17 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? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

The eye sees. The ears hear. The nose smells. The hands touch. The mouth speaks.

In the body of Christ, though we are one, each of us has been given different personalities, different spiritual gifts, different passions, and different experiences. These shape us uniquely for the purpose of helping others in ways they may not be able to help themselves.

A hand can touch and feel its way when the eyes are blind, but it cannot see as a healthy eye would. If an eye attempted to grasp something, it would only result in blindness. We are one body, designed perfectly within our context, with experiences, personalities, giftings, and passions that allow us to serve other parts of the body more effectively than they could serve themselves.

Some need help understanding Scripture, while others need help developing empathy for the unloved in society. Some need help with creativity, while others need help organizing a plan to bring ideas into action. No one is better than another, but everyone needs every part so that the whole body can function at its highest potential.

Fellowship is essential because God has made you and equipped you to benefit the church in the same way any body part benefits the whole body. If we were all preachers, who would plan the mission trips? If we were all organizers, who would sit with those on their deathbed? In fellowship, we are better. We do more. We make a greater impact and leave a lasting impression. On our own, we can only go so far, but together, in fellowship, we go further than we ever could alone. Christianity is not isolated from the church—it is inextricably embedded.

The Examen

Where am I currently using my gifts to serve the body of Christ?

Where might I be tempted to withdraw instead of remaining embedded in the life of the church?

Lectio Divina Scripture

1 Corinthians 12:13 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, help me see myself as valuable. Help me recognize that I am equipped in certain areas to help others better than they can help themselves, and that others are equipped in areas to help me more than I can help myself. Amen.