Thursday, July 22, 2010

EVER FEEL LIKE A TOE?

The human body is truly an amazing thing. Psalm 139 says we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." God knit us together in such complexity, and there is order and purpose to every part of our bodies. No, there is nothing "insignificant" about us.

Now some might think that the brain or the heart are more important than other parts of our bodies.

But I would challenge you to think again!

I'd like to share with you a little story about one of those seemingly "unimportant" parts of the body.

When my youngest son was in high school, I traveled around to various places with his varsity team. I would stay with my "mom friends." One night, we decided to try a new restaurant - which one mom assured us was "right around the block." Needless to say, it wasn't! At one point, we had to run across a wide boulevard. Yes...a dumb idea. Especially because halfway across the street was a large median bump that I did not see!

Yup, I ran into that bump full speed, and fell flat on my face!

Luckily, I did no damage, except that I injured one of my toes. Now here's my point - you might say to yourself, "OK, one toe, no big deal." Let me tell you, that "insignificant" toe cause me so much grief. It was so painful I couldn't sleep that night, and it was probably three weeks before I could walk properly again!

You know what I learned?

TOES ARE NECESSARY!

In God's Word, believers are called the Body of Christ. God decided to show Himself to the world THROUGH us. Doesn't that sound like a crazy plan?! We are His body - His voice, His hands, His feet. WOW! What a wild proposition, God - and what an honor and privilege, and also what a responsibility.

But...

What if you don't feel like you are an important part of the Body of Christ? What if you don't feel like a brain or a heart?

What if you feel like a toe?

Listen to what GOD says in 1 Corinthians 12:

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one body. So it is with the body of Christ...God has put each part JUST WHERE HE WANTS IT...In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary...All of you together are Christ's body, and EACH OF YOU is a part of it."

To sum up:

We are the Body of Christ - made up of MANY PARTS, but UNITED in the person of Jesus.
We REPRESENT God to the world.
Each part of the body has PURPOSE.
No part is insignificant - God has a REASON for everything.
God will use EACH ONE OF US as the unique part of the Body of Christ that He created us to be...

...even if we're just toes!!


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

1 comment:

  1. Blessings Sharon, What an honor to share this common experience of TOES and be the first to comment on a very worthwhile blog post comparing a seemingly insignificant part in the body and the Body of Christ functioning together... how we need every part and every function! A toe keeps balance and my, oh, my how we need some balance in the church... I knew how important the hands, arms, head, shoulders, heart, etc.... the major parts and their significance as to the gifts of administration, giving, compassion, etc. yet... needless to say,never considered how very important one's toe or the pain of just a toe can effect the whole...

    I'm so sorry that this happened... to you and to me, but a lesson learned and a wonderful spiritual correlation! Thanks for pointing it out... there's hope yet for me... the stubbed toe and bruised ego (eh?)... I'm sure my neighbors had a good laugh watching me. Praise God, not one bad word escaped my mouth.

    Bless you for the many, many deep responses to "ABIDING"... some bring tears, some bring such wisdom, and others a bit of JOY and a nod! You are such a delight... but my hour is almost up at the cyber... Love to you and much thanks,
    Peggy

    ReplyDelete

"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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