Ordinary, But Important

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:18-22, 27-31

“I wish I could have a singing or acting part in the Christmas play,” Angelica said. “It would be nice to be important for a change, instead of just pressing costumes.”

“Angelica, you are important,” Mom said as she sliced potatoes for dinner.

“Want me to set the table?” offered Angelica, walking over to the cupboard. “Can we use the good crystal goblets tonight? They’re so pretty!”

“Sure,” said Mom. “But how about taking these cookies over to Mrs. Ashe? She doesn’t get many visitors, so it’d be nice if you could stay and talk with her for a while.”

When Angelica returned home, her family was just sitting down to eat. As she slipped into her chair, she saw crystal goblets at each place, but no plates. “Let’s thank God for our food,” said Dad, so Angelica quickly closed her eyes.

When Dad said “Amen,” Mom picked up the casserole dish and handed it to Angelica. “Help yourself,” said Mom.

Angelica held the dish uncertainly. “Why don’t we have plates?” She looked at her little brother and sister. “I bet you guys set the table.”

“No, I did,” said Mom. “The goblets are very pretty, so why not just use them? Plates would look so ordinary next to the goblets.” Dad’s eyes twinkled, and Angelica’s little brother and sister stifled giggles.

“But we can’t use them for this kind of food!” Angelica protested.

“You’re right. We need different dishes for different foods,” said Mom. “Dishes aren’t all alike because each has a different purpose. It’s that way in God’s kingdom too. He uses people for different purposes—some to sing, some to preach, some to visit elderly people, and…”

“And some to press costumes, right?” Angelica said, smirking.

Mom nodded. “That’s another way He uses some of us. Some jobs appear to be more glamorous to us than others, but each is as important as the next. Each one of us is special to Jesus, and He’s given us different abilities and tasks so we can all serve Him together and help more people know about Him.”

“Okay, I get the point,” Angelica said. “Ordinary plates are very important. I’ll get them.” She grinned. “And after dinner, I have some very important costumes to press!”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Do you realize that everything you do for Jesus is important? Today’s Bible reading points out that just like each part of your physical body is important, each member of the body of Christ—every Christian—is important too. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that what someone else does or even what you do is more important than some other job. As we serve Jesus together, He will use every task done for Him to accomplish His purpose.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Whatever you do is important