January 8

Pinky Toe

But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it (1 Corinthians 12:24).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:18-26

Song: “Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord”

After my youngest son injured his pinky toe he quickly went from running and jumping to limping and hobbling. As I watched him struggle to walk, it occurred to me that I almost never think about my pinky toe. It is usually covered up. About the only time I notice it is when something goes wrong. Then, I am acutely aware of its presence.

When it comes to roles, jobs, and functions in God’s church, there are no pinky toes. Our Heavenly Father never forgets about any people and the associated gifts that they bring to the body of Christ. Paul encourages us to recognize and honor all people and their contributions to the church. In God’s kingdom, each person and each of their gifts are indispensable to the body’s proper functioning and are worthy of special honor and praise.

This week, try to notice the contributions people make to your congregation. Who cleaned the church, made coffee, set up AV equipment for worship, made the bulletin, showed up early to greet people, handled the finances, volunteered to pray, or watched babies in the nursery? As you notice people making these contributions, go tell them thank you as a way of honoring their service to the body.

Father, thank You for the variety of gifts in Your body. We are thankful for all the unique and wonderful ways You allow us to serve You and others in Your kingdom. In Christ, amen.