Devotion: Together for Good
Romans 12:4-5For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
I had a unique seat in church on Sunday morning. To my left, was a member who gives so much of his time driving the church bus, lovingly bringing senior members to and from worship. Next to him, was his wife who has graciously led the women’s ministry for years. In front of me, was a member who volunteers at Barnabas. In front of her, was a woman beginning a grief sharing class. On my right, was a man who loves to garden, giving the produce away. At the altar, stood some 30 excited three-year-olds receiving special Bibles. Their parents made promises to God about their child’s religious education. The more I looked around, the more folks I saw “walking the talk”, leading by example. They were doing what Paul had instructed the Romans to do to build the Kingdom. I could feel the strength of all of us together. Our church would not function without the individual leaders who quietly step up…not for glory but because it is the right thing to do. It is what God has called them to do.
Where were you sitting in church? Did you feel God tugging on your shirt, saying,”I need you. You could do _______!” At the conclusion of worship, Pastor Rhonda asked for help in many areas. In a congregation of our size, it seems there should be plenty of souls to fill the needs. Maybe you don’t feel qualified. Verse 6 in Romans 12 says,”God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” Sometimes you don’t know what that ability is until you walk the talk and join together. Look around you in church, who is leading by example? Look in the mirror, what does God have in mind for you?
Dear God, thank you for loving us and giving us opportunities to use our gifts. Help us to be the leaders you’ve equipped us to be. Let us always lead by example, walking the talk. Amen.
Written by Cindy Swanson