Eyeballs, Feet, and Where Do You Fit In?

Bible Reading: ROMANS 12:4-8

The noise of the polisher buzzed in Thabo’s ears as he approached his dad in the driveway. Dad had been working on this old car for months.

“Hey, buddy!” Dad turned off the polisher. “Come see how good this paint is looking with a bit of spit and polish.”

“That’s gross, Dad.” Normally Thabo would’ve laughed at his dad’s jokes, but today his heart was as heavy as the bag he’d packed for camp.

Dad frowned. “You’re getting ready for junior church camp. Are you nervous?”

Thabo shrugged. “They chose group leaders. I wanted to be one so Jesus could use me to help someone.”

“And only leaders make a difference?” Dad asked.

Thabo nodded. “I don’t want to go. If I was good enough, I would have been picked.”

Dad pulled Thabo closer. “You see this toolbox of mine? I’ve got a whole bunch of different things in here. When I need to buff the paint, I use this soft pad and my drill. Feel it.”

Thabo ran his fingers across the fluffy polishing disc. It felt softer than his cat’s fur.

Dad took out a screwdriver. The sharp tip gleamed in the bright African sunlight. “Now, can you imagine if I tried to polish the car with this?”

“That’s nuts, Dad! It would scratch the paintwork.”

“Exactly. Maybe I should throw it away. It seems pretty useless.”

“No, Dad! You can’t do that. It’s useful for other things. You can’t tighten screws with the paint buffer.” Clearly Dad had been out in the sun too long.

Dad grinned. “That’s a good point. Each tool has its own purpose, and I’ve needed all of them to get this car restored. You weren’t chosen as a group leader this time, but you can pray for someone or pack chairs. Jesus can use you in other ways.”

“Oh! I get it,” said Thabo. “The kids at camp are like your toolbox. We all need each other.”

“Just like I need all these tools to fix the car—or how each part of the body is needed to function.” Dad slipped an arm around Thabo’s shoulders. “That’s how the Bible describes Christians—as the body of Christ. We each need to do our part so we can serve Him together.” DIANNE J. WILSON

How About You?

Do you feel bad when others are able to serve in ways you can’t? It’s time to find out where you fit in with the abilities God has given you. An eyeball would make a terrible foot, but can you imagine life without your eyes? Even if the way Jesus wants you to serve now doesn’t seem as exciting as what someone else is doing, do it gladly. Do your part so we can serve Jesus together.

Today’s Key Verse:
ROMANS 12:4-5 JUST AS OUR BODIES HAVE MANY PARTS AND EACH PART HAS A SPECIAL FUNCTION, SO IT IS WITH CHRIST’S BODY. WE ARE MANY PARTS OF ONE BODY, AND WE ALL BELONG TO EACH OTHER. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Serve Jesus together