Benefiting the Body

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

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Pastor, I don’t have to come to church in order to be a Christian. I love God, and I’ve got a Bible.” I agree up to a point. While there are no rules about how often you must attend church in order to be a Christ-follower, I doubt you will become all God has for you without participating in a Christian fellowship. But there’s another thing I’d like for those people to think about: What about the people who need them? The Bible says we are a body, and all the parts are necessary in order for it to function well. When we choose to stay disengaged from other believers, we are denying others all that we bring to the fellowship. Each of us has been blessed with gifts and talents, and when we use them, we benefit the body as a whole.

THINK ABOUT IT
Your faithful participation in a local congregation will greatly benefit not only you, but others with whom you worship, pray, and fellowship.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, even when I feel least able, help me be a faithful participant in Your Body and local congregation. In obedience, I choose to be available to serve You and Your people. May I be a blessing to those around me and to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.