“Christianity thinks of human individuals not as mere members of a group or items in a list, but as organs in a body—different from one another and each contributing what no other could” C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

There is a lot of discussion today about the rights of the individual in contrast to the larger community. How should we live? C.S. Lewis summed up that we should live with both in mind.

Consider the words of the Apostle Paul, who reminded those in Corinth of this truth – “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Paul took great effort to underscore the importance of each person as part of the larger church to a group of people who were focused largely on their individual strengths (at the expense of others). In the following verses Paul mentions some of those particular gifts –

“Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.

Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not!” (1 Corinthians 28-30).

These last few days have included some repetitive information, but I think it is important to recognize our differences can be strengths when shared in the appropriate way.

Keep this final thought in mind today –

“...Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God” (Hebrews 13:16).