Daily Devotional – Tuesday, December 21, 2021
No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
1 Corinthians 12:22 (NKJV)
Recently, I learned, through pain, that those members of my body which seem to be weaker are quite necessary for in my life.
I arrived at the camping site full of excitement and anticipation for the activities that were to start the following day. The experiential training was the culmination of a two-month course. I looked forward eagerly to outdoor activities because I spend most of time in the office.
On the first day of training, we went for a six-kilometer morning run. That is when my troubles started. I was not used to the sport shoes I was wearing. My toes suffered. By the time we returned to the camp, I could barely walk.
That morning, I sat out most of the activities. I could only watch as my colleagues enjoyed team building and physical exercises. While a change of shoes brought some relief, I nursed painful toes and sore legs throughout the week. Almost three weeks later, I lost both my big toenails.
Weak But Necessary Body Parts
On reflection, I find it ironical that I did not enjoy my training fully, not because I was sick, but because my toes were hurting. My eyes, ears, hands, kidneys, heart, stomach, skin, name them, were working perfectly. Only tiny toes and their nails were hurting.
It reminds me of the body analogy that Paul applied to the church as the body of Christ. The apostle taught Corinthians, “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Paul gave several examples, including:
But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. (1 Corinthians 12:20-22).
‘Weak’ but Necessary Church Workers and Members
Think of the usher or deacon in your church. Rarely do we recognize them yet they perform very critical roles for the good of the church and its members. How comfortable would you be in church if it were not for the hardworking but ‘insignificant’ church caretaker?
The diligent men and women who teach our children in church are partly the reason our offspring still believe in God and obey us. Believers who have never been on the podium give generously to support the ministry even when no one notices.
These people may not hold powerful and influential positions in the church but without them, the ministry would not be as effective as it is. Like my painful toes, when these persons are hurting, the church is immobilized. When they thrive, the church prospers.
Celebrating the Forgotten
Are there seemingly insignificant people in your life and congregation whom you need to start honouring? What can you do for such individuals this festive season, as a way of appreciating them for being valuable in your life and in the body of Christ?
Heavenly Father, teach me to value and honour all people equally, and especially to appreciate those who are normally not recognized.
For additional insights on this topic, read this past devotional: Treat Me Well I Am Important
