The Body of Christ

In a world where there is so much comparison and striving, it can easily be forgotten that the Lord is the Creator of each one of us. We’re created in His image, and He delights in us (Genesis 1:27 & 31).

How then is it possible that we battle with discontent and unhappiness in our lives? Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that we don’t delight in who we are and how the Lord made us. We compare ourselves to people we look up to and we end up wishing we could be like them. That becomes our focus. In doing so, we change the direction of our own development as a person, and become someone God didn’t intend us to be.

This is far more complex than it seems, for many of the hurts and traumas we experience in our lives play a role in our perception of who we are. But we serve a God of restoration and there’s always hope and healing if we choose to allow Him into our lives.

I recently had to undergo an operation that needed quite a few weeks of healing and staying at home. When I got home from hospital, I was completely overwhelmed by the love and support from friends and family. Every encouraging message and prayer, every meal we were blessed with, every gift and bunch of flowers, every hug and visit made such a difference. Family and friends helped with grocery shopping and lifts to the doctor for my checkups. I really experienced the body of Christ in action.

Even while lying in my hospital bed, I felt safe. Prayers felt like a stretcher carrying me through the pain and struggle. It wasn’t about who did what, or how much. It was about the whole of it. It was about each doing what they could and doing it in love. I knew my Father in Heaven was looking after me when I couldn’t do what I usually do for myself and my family.

This experience demonstrated to me that we all fit into the body of Christ. All we need to do is what He shows us to do. We shouldn’t try to do what someone else is doing, because that may not be the Lord’s plan for us. When we stray off the Lord’s path, we eventually fall under self-condemnation as things don’t work out as we thought they would. If you’re in this place of confusion, turn to the Lord and allow Him to lead you back to quiet waters (Psalm 23:2). He loves you and is waiting for you.

‘There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work’ (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NIV).

Prayer: Dear Lord, I’m not where I want to be. Please forgive me for comparing myself to others and for striving to be who I’m not. Please show me who I am in You and help me to accept myself. I know that You’ll heal my hurts and guide me towards the plans and purposes You have for my life. I choose to believe that I’m wonderfully and fearfully created by You, my Father who delights in me. Amen.