Really?!?Sample

Parts of the Body

We’ve all been there before, right? We’ve sat at the dinner table with our family members, including aunts and uncles we only see twice a year, and think, “I’m so glad I’m not like them.” Or maybe we’ve been on the receiving end of judgmental glares from people who think they play a more valuable role in the family than us.

Whatever the case may be, we all know what it’s like for people to think of themselves more highly than others. That’s exactly what Romans 12:3-8 is about. God has given each person certain gifts, talents, and passions to serve the church and the world in unique ways. Some people teach, others encourage, and some are great musicians. Everyone plays a major role. When it’s understood that each person brings different but significant abilities to the table, elitism fades and love shines through.

The same is true for families. Siblings get jealous of each other for life accomplishments. Parents wish their sons or daughters turned out differently. Around a dinner table, these emotions come out in all sorts of interesting ways. You know what I’m talking about because you’ve probably been there.

Imagine, though, that each family member believed everyone was wired with different abilities and passions to serve their family. Even if someone is difficult, what if people intentionally looked for his or her gifts and encouraged them? That kind of environment sounds a lot different from the one we might be used to.

Over this holiday season, make an effort to view your family members, even the difficult ones, as significant parts of the body. It might help you love the person eating turkey next to you.