Bible Reading Blog
“Indispensable to the Work”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Philippians 4.10-19; 3 John 5-8; Luke 8.1-3; Galatians 6.6-10; 2 Corinthians 8-9
The tongue and lips get a lot of credit for our ability to speak. But did you know it can over 100 muscles in the face to form a single word? Most of these muscles act as a support system, allowing air to flow properly, vibration to occur, and the proper word to be formed by the time it reaches the mouth. Many of us will probably never learn the names of these muscles, but if they don’t exist and execute their role properly, we would never be able to speak.
The human body is a powerful witness to God’s design for us as the body of Christ. As Paul would say, “Though [we are] many, [we] are one body…” (1 Corinthians 12.12). Though some members are less prominent in their work, like the hundreds of muscles in the face, they are indispensable to the ultimate function of the body (see 1 Corinthians 12.21-25).
As I have prepared for my next trip to Ethiopia, I have seen this in action. Simply put I cannot accomplish this work alone. There are many financial and logistical considerations. The preparation requires significant mental exertion and forethought. I’m often overwhelmed and anxious about what will be. But time and again my insufficiencies are supported by members of the body. I have zero financial needs, thanks to many of you. Out of nowhere I have received calls and texts of encouragement. I may be the one going, but it is the love of the church, the prayers of the saints, and the strength God supplies that makes the work successful. There are many people and families whose names may never be known to the brethren in Ethiopia, but whose contributions are indispensable to the work that will be accomplished.
This is exactly what our bible reading this week describes, and it is critical to the body. Those who are talented in one area are often deficient in another. It is how God composed the body so that no one can boast in themselves. We must continue to have a mind to share, support and serve the body with our talents and resources. As we do this, we learn the ultimate gift God has given to each of us: to love as he loves.
As we consider the work that we all can do, do not minimize the import of a supporting role. Perhaps the most needed work in the body is for you to support someone else in their role. Where would Paul be had it not been for the efforts of Barnabas (see Acts 9.26-30, 11.19-26)? Sometimes our work is a word of encouragement to those laboring among us. Sometimes it is a commitment to pray for them. Sometimes a supporting role means you financially meet the needs or serve other members in some needed way. Sometimes it just means you make yourself available when the time arises.
Speaking from experience like Paul, it is a joy to experience the support and love of others (see Philippians 4.10-19). But more importantly, it is an honor to serve alongside you in the body of Christ and see how together we accomplish the work he has called for us to do, together.
