"There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. We were all baptized by one Holy Spirit. And so we are formed into one body. It didn't matter whether we were Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free people. We were all given the same Spirit to drink. So the body is not made up of just one part. It has many parts." 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
I really enjoy puzzles. They are non-competitive.
I'm not sure why, but I love the challenge of putting each piece in its place until the final picture emerges. The excitement builds until I get to that last piece. However, nothing is so disappointing as discovering that the last piece is lost. The 2,000-piece puzzle looks broken without it. It's incomplete. The ultimate pinnacle is not reached and the beauty of the puzzle is diminished.
Like a puzzle, the body of Christ consists of many pieces or parts, which together make a complete picture. God has equipped each believer with particular gifts that are necessary for what God has called him or her to do. When that person is missing or not able to carry out his role, an important part of God's plan is missing. The picture is incomplete. Not only does that person miss out on being part of God's great puzzle, but all the other pieces are also affected. When every piece is in its God-designed place, the picture is perfect. But when just one piece is missing, the body is incomplete
Sometimes you have a piece of puzzle that you know fits somewhere, but where is a mystery for a long time. It is only when other pieces are in the place that it can be placed in its unique position. It is the same with some ministries and people within the church. It is not immediately obvious how they fit into the body of the church. But God hasn't made a mistake!
There is place for everyone no matter how old or young, inexperienced or experienced, gifted or not. However, it is only when others are doing their bit that everyone can find their rightful position. Today, take ownership of your place in the puzzle. Are you a lost piece, one that dropped off the table? Are some of your edges worn down or jagged, not fitting smoothly into the other pieces? How can you fit better into God's puzzle? Your decisions can sabotage God's perfect fit, so align your decisions with God's ways.
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Editor's note: The Rev. Dr. Scott Stewart is the pastor of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church and Brightwater Methodist Church. The opinions expressed are those of the writer. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 479-659-9519.
Religion on 02/20/2019