The Broken Thumb

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-22

Mckenzie enjoyed being on her youth group’s planning committee, but she frowned when Jaden shared his idea for a youth group activity. “How about planning an outreach program for kids in our community?” he suggested. “And let’s give everyone in the youth group something to do. You know—get everyone involved.”

Mr. Stills, the youth leader, liked the idea. “That will fit in nicely with the Bible study I’m planning for the next several weeks.”

“But some of the kids never want to do anything,” objected Mckenzie. “I don’t see how we can get them involved if they’re not really interested, so what would we do about them? Or doesn’t it matter? Do we really need them?”

“Nah.” Gabrielle, another committee member, shook her head.

Jaden disagreed. “We want them all to have a part,” he insisted.

“Let’s think about that,” said Mr. Stills. He turned to Mckenzie. “You broke your thumb a few days ago. Does it matter? How important is your thumb?”

“My thumb?” asked Mckenzie in surprise. She laughed as she looked down at her bandaged thumb. “I didn’t think I used it much…until I couldn’t use it at all. Now that it’s broken, I see how much I really need it. It’s way more important than I ever knew!”

“Yes, I thought it might be.” Mr. Stills smiled. “And God says that’s exactly how it is with the believers who make up His church. All who trust in Jesus are referred to as the body of Christ, and every single member is important—just like every part of our physical bodies is important. Each person has a job to do for the body of Christ to function properly.”

“That makes sense,” said Mckenzie, “but…” She frowned. “I still don’t see how we’ll get kids to help if they don’t want to.” She looked at her thumb again. “Or do you think they’ll want to help if we show them that we need them?”

Jaden nodded. “Yeah. I think if we stress that each person has a part to play in our community outreach program, more kids will want to help.”

“Good idea,” Mr. Stills said. “Let’s put it into action.” • Deana L. Rogers

How About You?

Do you think you’re not really needed or able to serve Jesus? If so, you’re wrong. Things you can do may seem small to you, but each part of the body of Christ is needed. What can you do to serve and show people Christ’s love? Help people find their seats at church? Reach out to a kid who needs a friend? Send a card to someone who’s sick? Think of something you can do, and then do it. You are important in God’s family.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You are important