Devotion 14 October 2026

So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12: 5

READING: 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27

The theme of inclusion, a cornerstone of Christ’s teachings, resonates through the tapestry of Biblical scripture, reminding us of the value and dignity of every individual. In Galatians 3:28, a powerful testament to this principle is expressed: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Seen in the light of Jesus, there is one thing that unites us all - rich and poor, black and white, male and female - that is, that we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans. 3:23; 6:23), and so we all need Jesus to remake – reconcile - us through the power of His sacrifice on the cross. Thus we all stand in equal humility before His saving grace.

We read in both Romans and Corinthians that, when we accept Christ as our Lord, we become part of the body of Christ, His church. “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Paul describes in some detail how a body cannot function fully without a hand, ear or foot.

Nowadays, we know even more than Paul did, how intricately the different parts of the body are interrelated and interdependent. Perhaps we are a humble person in our church or society, the equivalent of just an invisible vein pulsing away in the depths, out of sight, but, just as the body cannot function without that vein, so God needs us to do our work efficiently, to bring about His kingdom on earth.

God values each person for what we can do. And He sees us, He knows and cares what we are doing.

Prayer

Lord, I thank You that You have called us to work together for You. If I am a leader in the eyes of the world, give me humility, I pray. If I feel inadequate or unimportant, give me a sense of value and dignity, I pray. Teach us all to work together as one in Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen