I cut my finger last night. I am not sure exactly how it happened (likely in a fit of excited clapping and cheering just before halftime). I didn’t even notice it until I saw the blood on my hand, jacket, and face. Somehow my fingertip just split.
The cut may be only ½ inch in length. It’s not especially painful. In a day or two I will forget all about it, but right now it is quite noticeable. That is because I have been trying to work this morning, and that includes typing with a Band-Aid on my right ring finger. While that may not seem like a huge hindrance, I am suddenly aware of how many words contain the letters “p”, “o”, and “l”. What did I ever do before “spellcheck?”
I was reminded of the biblical teaching that believers are members of one body. The apostle Paul stated:
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: [5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:4-5
Adding to that thought, he reminds us that every part is important. The head cannot say to the feet, “I have no need for you” (1 Cor. 12:21). The same thing is true for the eyes, ears, hands, or any other member. Likewise, no part should feel unimportant or unnecessary. Every member has its place in the body. All are needed. All are useful for specific purposes. Even a fingertip can affect your productivity.
He has placed believers in the body to fulfill our purpose. Our goal as individuals in the church is to use our gifts for the benefit and growth of others. When we are absent or inactive, the body suffers. It is a noticeable hindrance. We are most useful when we discover our place and serve as God directs us. We discover spiritual growth in our own lives and build up others at the same time