Inadequate--who me?

Today I while reading, Our Daily Journey, the verses were 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. The author pointed out that in verse 14 Paul addresses two major problems within the church; insignificance and an independent spirit. However in the brief space he had, he did not explore those terms, which got me to thinking. 

Several of us in church have a tendency to feel insignificant when we think of ourselves in light of all of creation. Even the psalmist wrote:

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?” 

Psalm 8:2-4

 Feeling insignificant has been around since the fall, rightly so. God lets us know that we are individually are insignificant in the book of Job. 

         With the above in mind, perhaps the better word to describe the problem of insignificance would be “inadequate”. Too often it seems we judge ourselves based on what others are doing in the church. We find people who seem to be able to do it all, great musicians, speakers, prayers, etc. We look at them and say “I can’t do that” and give up, or don’t even try at all. This is the problem. We ( and I am including myself in this) struggle with the notion that God wants perfection, he wants those who are best. However, that is not the case. We need to remember that God calls us where we are at, to serve where we are at. I am reminded of Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15, he tells us that he is the greatest sinner, yet God chose him. That is all of us, we are all sinners, yet God chooses us. Each of us for different reasons and with different opportunities. We are one body, and each of us has a part. Some of us may become great evangelist, some are teachers. Perhaps God has called someone to be the next musical praise leader. Those are all great callings. However, perhaps, you were called to simply be a mother or a father and raise your children in the knowledge and love of Christ. Perhaps you calling is lead a small group. Perhaps your calling is to pray in secret. We need to remember, that God chose us because he loves us. 

There are also some out there who are independent spirits. You know who you are. Paul reminds us that we are ALL part of one body, in spirit baptized to one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). That is why he says that the eye cannot get rid of the hand. We need each other. Common wisdom says no man is an island, and that is true. We affect, and are affected by one another. Think of how a simple smile from someone can brighten your day. 

Perhaps the best example of a group working together, can be found among the Amish. Watch how they raise a barn, or work on a house. Many people, with a single purpose. That is what the Body of Christ was called to be. Imagine what the world would look like, if we could all start working together, using our talents, instead of hiding in the woodwork feeling inadequate, or thinking we can we can do it all on our own.