Daily Devotion for Lent 2021 - Day 23

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12

"What's in it for me?"

We have a propensity toward individualism.   It is difficult to hold a body of people together.  The larger the body, the more difficulty we have.  The easier it is to get opposing ideas out there, the more likely it is to split off and do our own thing.

We saw this with the Protestant Reformation.  As the printing press came into existence, the ideas of Martin Luther were more easily spread.  The next few centuries saw countries become independent that were previously colonies of empire nations.

Today, we see this with the internet as ideas are spread even more quickly.  Ironically, it is also far easier to fact check these ideas but unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be as enticing.

Most kids don't like uniforms but
esteem is higher for those that wear them
while bullying is lower.

Paul uses the interworking of various body parts as a metaphor for the congregation.  In other words, we all need each other to function properly.

Of course, I want to value my contribution at a higher value than yours.  We want to make a difference and be seen as important.  This is natural as everyone likes to be appreciated.  But a group like the church is founded on the grace of God which seeks to value all people.

So what Paul asks us today is "Can you put the need to stand out on hold?"  Can you do it for the good of the body?

To be spiritually mature is to see the gifts of God at work in each person.  I really like verse 26 where Paul makes the aspirational statement: 

If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Hopefully, we don't tend to suffer or rejoice more enthusiastically depending on the member but realistically, this is sometimes the case.

But to remain together - tied by the Holy Spirit - may mean to give something of myself up so that we can accomplish more as the Body of Christ.  

What's in it for me?  

The lifting up of my neighbor.  And that is enough.

Prayer for the day:

Loving God, it is hard to admit to ourselves and even harder to admit to others that we have a need for appreciation.  But you know us.  You see us at our strongest moments but also at our weakest.  We are thankful that you love us even as we may fluctuate wildly between the two!  Help us to grow in the Spirit not only so that we have more gifts to share with our community of faith, but also so that we will share them without the need for accolades.  In this, may our see ourselves as part of your larger mission in the world today.  We pray these things in Christ's holy name.  Amen.

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All scripture quoted is from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.