Day 23…I Corinthians 12:27

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (I Corinthians 12:27) 

Notes from the devotional:

• Many Americans treat going to church like deciding on a fast food restaurant… “We went to McDonald’s last week, so this week let’s go to Burger King.” We hop around from church to church like looking for the best deal, the best value meal, the Special of the Day.
• It is crucial we keep our family’s roots firmly  planted in our home church. Otherwise, we remain shallow in our commitment , and we will lose out on the support of other Christians when the tribulations come.
• By neglecting to minister within our home church, we also cause other Christians to lose something.
• Jesus says he is the vine and we are his branches (John 15:5-8).
• We are literally connected to each other through our local church.
• Today’s verse shows us the importance of being connected to one another through the church. How we relate to the body of Christ directly affects other Christians.
• We need each other, and the church is the best place to star meeting each other’s needs

My notes:

• Like I said in Sunday School the other day to the youth. We ARE all part of one body. Somebody’s gotta be Sergeant Hulka’s big toe! A person cannot walk without his big toe, and the body of Christ cannot function if vital parts are missing.
• The catch is, we are ALL “vital” parts of the body. We are all unique members of the body - “fearfully and wonderfully made” – to meet a specific God-designed task.
• I thank God for my home church, the relationships I am developing there, and the roles and functions I am able to fill for my brothers in Christ.

Personal challenge:

• How does your life show that church matters to you?
• Ask God to show you how you can be a “need meeter” in your church.

~~from Men of Integrity: A Daily Guide to the Bible and Prayer (1999)~~