“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight… Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” Romans 12:3-17
The healthy body works when each part works without reservation, comparison, or competition. God designed parts to function aright, responsible for specific service and interdependent on others for the whole to perform. Trouble ensues when one falters for any reason and upsets the balance He intends. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7,12-27)
In the flesh, it’s difficult to keep self from getting in the way. We think too highly of ourselves and so saunter in pride to dominate, or wallow into what we deem deserved ease. We get preoccupied with inadequacies and think too little of ourselves, so we don’t pull our weight in heavenly assignments. The issue is we think of ourselves too much. To follow Christ is to be captivated by Him and live with abandon for Him and His purposes. Joy is the magnificent by-product when we serve selflessly rather than look to be served egotistically. (Matthew 20:28; Romans 15:2-3)
How graciously do we welcome and include others into our sphere of work and service? What are we doing to give them opportunity, build them up, help them be their best, deflect to them credit, and express appreciation? What inklings of superiority, self-righteousness, impatience, or pride constrict our affection and encouragement for those attached to us in Christ’s body? Will we name and confess each one? In what specific ways will we consider and foster others’ interests more than our own? (Romans 16:1-16; Philippians 2:3-4)
How energetically and fervently do we exercise our gifts? In what ways do we exercise our very membership to strengthen the whole and health of the church? How does our service magnify Christ and attract others to the beauty of His body?
Father, help me daily don the Lord Jesus Christ , making no provision for the flesh, but only for others’ good and Your good pleasure. (Romans 13:14)
As the rain and snow 