OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AND THE BODY
For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,' is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased" (1 Corinthians 12:14-18).
It is important to play whatever role the Lord assigns to us diligently and with humility. One of the pitfalls of a member of a body as important as the body of Christ is failure to realize the spiritual truth behind the biblical saying about measuring "and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
"For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere that God has appointed us - a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labours, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment. But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (2 Corinthians 10:12-17)
Take for instance, the parable of the servants given some talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The master, before he traveled, gave 10 talents to one servant, 5 to another, and 1 to the third servant. When he returned from his trip, he inquired about what they've done with the talents. The one with 10 had 10 more. The servant with 5 had 5 more. The master did not compare how much was brought in return. He was more interested in how diligently it was utilized. He was not upset with the third servant because he had only 1 talent. Rather, the master was offended at the servant's lackadaisical approach to using what he was bestowed on him to bring forth glory, honour, praise (no matter how little or big) to the master.
In an orchestra, during a life performance, different individuals play different musical instrument. Some instruments sound louder and sharper, and seem to have more prominence as the performance progresses. The instruments come in different sizes. The musicians who play them are assigned different spots on the stage: some in the front row, some in the middle, and some at the back. I have been in and out of music studios to record and produce musical pieces. The same principle applies when putting together musical pieces in digital setting (without musicians performing life). Different sounds generated on computer software are selected, recorded and mixed to create musical gems that gratifies the soul, causes the audience to cheer, and leaves skeptics and critics astounded. Regardless of how minor or major the role each instrument plays, it all adds up to the end result: a musical masterpiece. Even the nifty sound effects serves meaningful purposes. Whether the instrument was played throughout a track or merely played occasionally, "all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) Hallelujah!
It is wise to recognize our place in the Lord, and understand His calling in our lives. It is wise to realize the folly in ungodly comparison that leads to envy, strife and division. After all, If Paul "planted, Apollos watered, God gave the increase."
For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. (1 Corinthians 3:4-9)
We are all labourers in His vineyard. He sees us the as the same. The labourers got paid the same wages! (Matthew 20:1-16) What good or honour does it do a servant who arrogate superiority to himself while labouring in the vineyard of Another?
It is wise to understand His will concerning our ministry and calling.
"Therefore do not be not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) Each member of an orchestra plays different instrument in a different way based on the arrangement of the musical notes placed in front of each player. No matter how loud or fast or slow or sharp or prolific another member play their instrument, it should inspire each of the other members in the orchestra to play their part of the symphony according to the arrangement of the musical notes placed in front of each one of them. The arrangements differ from instrument to instrument, and from player to player. Otherwise, we neither have an orchestra nor a symphony. And what's more, to avoid a general confusion, the master conductor Himself Jesus Christ (whose words and leadership we focus on at all times) is right in front to lead us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit!
May the Lord continue to grant you the grace and all that it takes to oil the wheel of progress of your ministry and calling. Take care. God bless.
Yours
Adekunle Majek'
H I A F E M
Of impact, quality & excellence
That's the Spirit!
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