Individuals in the Work of Christ

I for one am very guilty of thinking I and my puny faith can be of no use to God.

I have the feeling I'm not alone.

Today the world is breeding our generation to be self-centered and introverted, yet we wonder why suicide rates and depression stats are sky high: Could it be that young people feel void of purpose?

We are God's created treasures: nothing else is made in God's image the way we are. God doesn't look like us, but He has given us a will, emotions, and a mind-- the ability to create. Elephants don't have these gifts, neither do apes, plankton, or beetles. That because we are made in God's image, special-- PRECIOUS-- in His sight.

"So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27

"Sure, I'm made in God's image. Big deal. Nothing I've never heard before."

How could God ever use me?

I want to propose to you the importance of individuals in the work of Christ.

There are A LOT of names in the Bible. I've often wondered what purpose they serve, until I stumbled on a beautiful paragraph in my devotions:

"Although such lists [of names] may seem tedious today, they show us the importance of each individual in God's purpose. If the author made the effort to preserve all these names and numbers, then how much more does God care about individuals!... The work accomplished for God was done by people working together more than by a great leader.                 - Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook  (Great book, by the way! I recommend it ;) )

We don't have to change the world to be a tool of God. We don't have to fly across the world to be a missionary in order to serve our Saviour. We might feel useless. We may seem overlooked in the church. But there is a place for all of the body of Christ.

There is a reason the church is often referred to as the "Body of Christ". Please carefully read the following scripture:

I appeal to you therefore, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (Romans 12)

Most of these things don't get noticed. It doesn't really matter even if we do get noticed for them, though, for what is the glory that comes from man compared to the glory that comes from God? (John 12:43)

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. (Psalm 37:23 & 24)

Friend, glory in the Lord. Persevere in His strength.

"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous..." (Joshua 1:5&6)

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy. (Psalm 94:18 & 19)

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:5-8)

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. (Psalm 17:8)

<3 Berea