Unique in Our Own Way

Dear Friend,

Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 1 Corinthians 12:14 NLT

Using the analogy of the body. Paul emphasizes the importance of each church member. If a seemingly insignificant part is taken away, the whole body becomes less effective. If we think that our gift is more important than someone else’s gift this is an expression of spiritual pride. We should never look down on those who seem unimportant and we should not seem jealous of others who have impressive gifts, Instead, we should use the gifts we have been given and encourage others to use theirs. If we do not, the body of believers, our community, or workplace will be less effective. Amen!

Do you struggle to fit in with the people in your community, workplace, or church? Do you feel like a square peg in a round hole? Have you been convinced that this is what will be and so you are retreating into hobbies, binge watching TV, videogames, having tunnel vision at work, or finding comfort in food? Are you slowly giving up on trying to find your place in the body of Christ?

Ah, but the devil is a liar. Remember, GiG, God created each of us uniquely, with specific gifts so we must not give up on finding where we fit in. Yes, the body of Christ is made up of many members—age, ethnicity, shape, size, socioeconomic level, academic level, and variety of spiritual gifting.

In this time of COVID: physical distancing, we must make a conscious decision to not retreat. It is easy to do out of fear, but we have not been given a spirit of fear but of sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Maybe you struggled to fit in before COVID, do not give up or give in. I have answered yes to most of the questions I’ve posed at different seasons in my life. Recently, God has shown me where at times in the past that I’ve retreated and why my giftings were not recognized or embraced when I believed they should have been. Finally, I am embracing them myself and in ways I could not have imagined. Is it time you embrace yours too?

May you be encouraged to pray about specific giftings God has placed in you and then learn where you can best serve Him. You just might be surprised at the new direction the Lord leads.

God’s Got It… so we can GROW—The opposite of anger is not calmness, its empathy. Dr. Mehmet Oz

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA: Embracing a Just Be Joyful Life 2020: Laughing, Loving, and Living Life That Extends Far Beyond My Circumstances