Daily Devotional | Embracing Our Differences

In the late fall, football teams that thrive have usually remained healthy and each teammate embraces his unique contribution. Can you imagine a team where a defensive lineman tries to play quarterback? Or a running back wants to be punter? Instead, each player makes a contribution that, when everyone works together, makes the team strong and successful.

Paul reminds us in our text today that the body of Christ ought to function as a team. Even though there are many diverse people in the family of God, we are to function as one (vv. 12, 14). What makes it possible for believers to become one “body” is the saving work of Jesus Christ (v. 13).

Paul shows a bit of his humorous side here to make a point: even though there are different personalities and gifts within the church, you are all one body. He begins by addressing those in the body who may feel neglected or excluded. The foot does not get the same recognition as the hand and, therefore, may feel like an outcast (v. 15). Similarly, the ear doesn’t get the same acknowledgment as the eyes and may feel forgotten (v. 16). Paul wants Christians who feel overlooked to know they are indeed an essential part of the body.

Diversity in the church is important. The body could not function if it were all just an eye or an ear (v. 17). Just like our physical bodies are made with intricate detail, perfectly in the image of God, the body of believers is created the same way. God has made each person special and unique with a specific purpose and role to play. Each person in the family of God has gifts that can help the body not just survive but to thrive (vv. 18–20).

>> God views the worth of fellow church members (or even your own worth) in a different way than we do. Consider looking with fresh eyes at not only your own value in the body of Christ but also the value of others.