You Are Indispensable

Tuesday, August 26

1 Corinthians 12:20-22 (NIV)

As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.

Devotion

If you have trusted and surrendered to Jesus, you are adopted into the body of Jesus and are of valuable and indispensable service to those around you. If you are not yet aware of your spiritual gifting and calling to service, this should be a point of prayer and searching Scripture. Get plugged in and let others come alongside you to help in the process. Many types of service and groups you try might not be a good fit, but being active in service and seeking will bring you to your gifts and calling more quickly than waiting at home for a bolt of inspirational lightning to strike.

Even if you are up to your elbows in diapers and formula or very busy with education or work, find a few minutes each day to pray for greater gifting and service relative to the body of Jesus. If done prayerfully, even small, quick text messages, phone calls, encouragements, and prayers for others can be your indispensable service for a period of time until God opens up more time and opportunity for greater service. Be faithful in little (diapers, formula, education, work), and you can expect Jesus to grow your spiritual gifts, service, and impact.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess that I do not feel indispensable. Help me to believe that I am. Increase my spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy, first so that I can know your will for my spiritual gifts and service, and second, so I can encourage others according to your will for their spiritual gifts and service. Show me how to pray effectively for others. Bring me to the groups and service opportunities that can become my crew—my inner circle of love, service, encouragement, prayer, and support. I confess that it feels lonely sometimes. Show me others who feel lonely also, and how I can encourage them—not with clichés, but with the right word at the right time to produce your comfort in their heart. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Pastor Ruff explained that unity, having a common purpose, is not the same as uniformity, where everyone is the same. As you serve Jesus with others, make room in your heart for each other’s strengths, differences, and other responsibilities. Seek to be unified in holiness according to the Bible rather than personal preferences or traditions. Be unified for the purpose of leading others to truth, life, and the only way to heaven through Jesus Christ.

Resources

• Over 1,000 people signed up to serve, connect, and grow in their faith at Sunday’s Find Your Fit event! There’s still time to find a group or join a serve team! 
• If you need prayer for a miracle, submit your Prayer Request today, and our team of prayer warriors will stand with you.