The Truly Special Ones

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Theme: We should treat those in the Body who don’t seem so special as the truly special ones. Key verses: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.” (v. 12) “But in fact God has arranged the part of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?” (v. 18-19) “…those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensible, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts needno special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (v. 22-25) What God said to me: Dwayne, it’s simple: I love and want every member of my family and church. And I will make sure every faithful member gets his or her share of honor from me. You should do the same. Son, you have always been out front receiving lots of accolades and special treatment. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that. I am glad you have been appreciated and respected for your labor. However, you should recipricate as often as possible and deliberately seek to honor those who sit in the congregation, who clean the church restrooms, who keep the nursery, and who do the less “honorable” tasks within my house. You are no more “special” in my eyes than they. And you are no more needed in my church than they. Be sure you always maintain that perspective and humble yourself constantly. I am raising you up to influence thousands, even millions, in the future. But never forget the “little people” along the way — for in my sight they are the giants. What I said to God: Precious and majestic Father, I love You and thank You for speaking so clearly to me this morning. Thank You for this peaceful moment sitting here on my back porch. Thank You for creating the birds that are singing and the water that is gurgling in my pool. You have made all things good. And today you have reminded me (beyond any shadow of doubt!) that You have made all believers good and worthy of proper honor. Who can I encourage today and this week that doesn’t receive much encouragement and attention within our church and the Body? I die to myself and my ambitions and desires. I yeild myself completely to You today. Please protect my family and lead them to love You more today.