Wellspring
of Joy
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
Because we live in a highly individualized western world, it's good to be reminded that, as followers of Jesus, we are one individual body united under Him. We are not many church bodies, but one. Christians are not actually divided into self-selecting groups or denominations. According to God, we form one body under one Spirit.
Partners in Christ
That body is intended to work together, so tread lightly when refusing to acknowledge or partner with other parts of Jesus’ body. We are not merely partners with other believers when it is convenient or sought. We are always partners. Whether we partner well or poorly with other Christians is another matter. Those “others” are part of the body of Christ and they also partner with Jesus Christ in His ministry. Therefore they have a part with us as fellow heirs, as fellow parts, as part-ners.
Prayer for the Day
Thank You Lord Jesus for placing me in the body and giving me a part in it. What a pleasure and honor it is – regardless of what part I play. I pray that Your Holy Spirit teaches me how to partner well with You and others, enabling me to be a cooperative facet within Your body. Amen.