“But God has put all parts of our
body together in the way that he decided is best.” (1 Corinthians 12: 18, Common
English Bible)
It is the
beginning of a new year for many in our community. School has started back and
the demands of activities, work and family commitments are seen in the lives of
those around us. Even those of us who no longer have school – age children are
affected by this annual cycle with traffic changes and the necessary adjustment
to our routines. In the church we also have a new year that will begin shortly
and it has the possibility of affecting not only our lives, but the lives of
others in our community.
Paul’s letter to
the church in Corinth
made me think of some of the changes that we will engage in this year. Next
month we will start by having our annual Charge Conference and electing new
church leadership. In Corinth ,
the people were arguing among themselves trying to decide who had the more
“important” position in the church. Today, people still compete for what they
believe may be the more prominent position, but we are called to affirm all people
to use their gifts to benefit others and the world. We need to see others with
spiritual eyes and help them develop their gifts. Those gifts, when used
wisely, can transform the world and help make disciples for Christ.
A lion lay asleep in the forest, his great head resting on his paws. A timid little mouse came upon him unexpectedly, and in her fright and haste to get away, ran across the lion's nose. Woken from his nap, the lion laid his huge paw angrily on the tiny creature to kill her."Spare me!" begged the poor mouse. "Please let me go and some day I will surely repay you."The lion was so amused at the idea of the little mouse being able to help the King of Beasts, that he lifted up his paw and let her go.Some weeks later, the lion was caught in a net. The hunters, who desired to carry the lion alive to their King, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a wagon to carry him.Just then the little mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the lion's sad plight, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes of the net, freeing the lion."You have helped me and now I have returned the favor. Was I not right - even a mouse can help a lion!” said the little mouse.Even the weakest and smallest among us have gifts we can use to serve others.
As a Christian, you
weren’t made to compete with others. You weren’t born to advance your own
agenda. You weren’t created to be served, but to be a servant to others. You
were born to make a difference.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Pat
