Just Like Clockwork

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:14-22

Kaya walked into the living room and slumped onto the couch. Grandpa looked up from his work on the grandfather clock and laid aside a tool. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Kaya picked at the fuzz on her jacket. “Oh, nothing. It’s just that when the Millers came to church last Sunday, they were talking about all the amazing things they’ve seen God do in Brazil. After the service, I went up to them and explained that I wanted to help them with their missions work.”

“That’s great, Kaya!” Grandpa said. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Well, I thought that maybe I could join them out in the jungle for the summer, but instead they said they needed help with their mailing. I just spent the last hour stuffing envelopes with letter updates for the Millers’ ministry partners. I wish I could do something actually useful for missions work!”

Grandpa furrowed his brow. “Come here,” he said. Kaya joined him. “Do you see this gear?” Grandpa handed Kaya a small gear about the size of the dime.

Kaya cradled it in her palm. “It’s so small!”

Grandpa gently opened a panel in the back of the clock.

“Oh, wow!” Kaya exclaimed. Inside the grandfather clock was a labyrinth of gears, springs, wheels, and hooks.

“It may not look like much,” Grandpa said, “but this gear is essential to the working of the clock. When the clock didn’t chime this afternoon, I opened it up and noticed this gear was out of place. I was just about to fix it when you walked in.” Grandpa carefully put the gear back in the clock and shut the panel. Moving around to the front, he pushed the minute hand past the twelve, and the clock chimed. “The body of Christ is the same way. Each person who trusts in Jesus is part of His church, and we work together to help more people know about His love for them and what He did to save them. Even things that may look insignificant on the surface are an integral part of how Jesus uses us to reach others.”

“So even though I may not think stuffing envelopes is that exciting, I’m still serving Jesus?” asked Kaya.

“Exactly!” Grandpa grinned. “Even the small parts make a big difference.”

-Olivia Summers

How About You?

Do you feel like your service is unimportant? Do you wish you could be making more of a difference? Whether you’re volunteering in the nursery, washing church dishes, or raising money for missionaries, God views your work as important. Sometimes the most unnoticed things are the most foundational. Be faithful with the service opportunities Jesus has given you, knowing you are helping His body of believers share His love with the world.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 12:22 Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are actually very important. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Your service is important