Read: I Corinthians 12:12-31 and Colossians 3:17
Spring break is a great time for the whole family to "get away from it all." Sometimes we plan elaborate vacations. At other times, we stay close to home and take advantage of the numerous museums our area has to offer. Last year was one such time.
Our youngest son has an incredible interest in science. He loves anything pertaining to nature - animals, plant life, insects and weather related phenomenon. Because of this, we decided it would be an opportune time to take in the Science Center and National Aquarium, both within a half-hour drive from our home. Was he ever excited when we told him of our plans!
The day finally arrived for our "field trip." Ayron got up early, talking unceasingly about all we were going to see and do. Although the day was rainy and dreary, it didn't dampen his spirits in the least. At the aquarium, we were once again reminded of the awesome wisdom and creativity of our God! Who could imagine so many different kinds of fish and other sea creatures - each unique, each serving a specific purpose.
Part of the aquarium tour led us into a simulated tropical rain forest. The warm, humid atmosphere forced us to take our coats off. As we were observing the plant and animal life of this eco-system, we were startled by an extremely loud bird call from directly overhead. I looked up to see what type of huge bird had let out such a blast. To my surprise, I saw a bird no larger that a robin. I couldn't believe that sound had come from such a little bird. Just then it sent out a blast as if to answer my suspicions. The sound was so loud, I wanted to cover my ears. That little bird, with expanded chest and opened mouth, made its presence known in spite of its small size!
How like that bird are we to function in the Body of Christ! Each of us has been given gifts, talents, and abilities specifically distributed according to our uniqueness. Some will find themselves before kings, others in the marketplace, still others in places that by the world's standards are less honorable. Some of us are multitalented, excelling in many diverse areas of expertise, while others are hard pressed to even know what gift God has given to them.
Yet we are encouraged in I Corinthians 12:22-25 to take heart. Every part of the Body is necessary for its function. The multitalented individual is no more important than the one grappling to find significance. Not one of us is superior to another. Not one of us is unnecessary. Our little bird "friend" was secure in its position at the aquarium. It was not jockeying for a higher position. Neither was it hiding in the foliage ashamed, its voice silenced. Though small, it boldly proclaimed the message that it was designed to give.
Let's not play the world's game of rating each other's significance based on occupation, possessions, beauty or neighborhood. Rather, let's live with the understanding that each of us is unique and have been given a task by God to bring honor to His name and harmony to His Body, through whatever gift(s) we may possess.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift(s) You have given to me. Forgive me for the times I have felt superior to others and looked with disdain at their calling. Forgive me for the times I have been ashamed of what I have, comparing myself to others that appear to be more gifted. From this moment onward I will use what I have been given - whether great or small - for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
