FRIDAY, MARCH 17

Play Your Part

READ

1 Corinthians 12:10-30

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it (v.27).

Maurice Andre was one of the best trumpet players the world has known. He once said that a good trumpet player had to be “like a matador in a bull ring.” He continued, “I see flutists and oboists go on the stage gingerly. If you do that with the trumpet you’re finished.” I believe he was saying that only a certain personality type possesses what it takes to succeed as a trumpet player. Trumpeters can’t hide; every note is heard by every listener! If you don’t have the God-given disposition to handle that, it can truly destroy you.

The apostle Paul described the various gifts given to the members of the church by the Holy Spirit. He stressed that all the gifts are a part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:14-18) and all are interdependent (vv.15-17). He further emphasized that each gift was given to particular people, and not everyone exercised the same gift. We all have our special gift or gifts (vv.27-30). The problem that existed then—and still does today—is that some gifts seem to make for greater recognition than others, and in our humanness we tend to crave those gifts instead of simply playing our part.

But that’s not God’s way, for playing that game will only lead to disharmony within the body and dissatisfaction within ourselves. Speaking of the church, Paul wrote, “All of you together are Christ’s body” (v.27). God made us and has gifted us in ways to complement one another. Our role is to agree with Him, embrace the role(s) He has for us, and enjoy being a part of the “orchestra” that is the body of Christ. We’re all needed and must play the part God has given us—for His honor and for our good. —Russell Fralick

MORE

Read 1 Cor. 13 and consider why Paul wrote this chapter immediately after discussing the exercising of our gifts within the body of Christ.

NEXT

How can you use your gift(s) to bless the other members of the body of Christ? How can you encourage others to fulfill their calling?

A Brand New Day from worshiphousemedia on GodTube.