Inextricably linked

John Povey March 01, 2024 3 2

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Romans 12: 1-8 (NRSVA)

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgement, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. 6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Many members, one body. This must surely be among Paul’s most memorable metaphors for the Church. It is a powerful image. You can take time out from being a member of a group. You can even go off on a holiday without your family. But the parts of your body can’t take a break from each other. The eye can't say to the hand, I don't need you. The head can't say to the foot, I don't need you. Each member has its part to play to keep the body fit and healthy.

The Church is a body that gives Christ a face to the world, his voice, his hands, and his feet. The Church’s members, with their unique personal gifts and skills, unite to leap forward together, each complementing and celebrating the others.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that you brought us into the world with the gifts we need to see us through our journey of life. Teach us how to use our gifts wisely and in blessing to the world around us. Help us to go into the world knowing that we are your beloved children and knowing each person we meet is beloved by you. Transform our hearts, that we may love generously. Transform our hands, that we may serve others. Transform our spirits, that we may be the body of Christ, sent out to serve. Work your transforming love within us, that we may know your will and serve you with all joy, united in praise and service.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.