ALL ABOARD

Bible Verse:
For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Romans 12:4-5 (NASB)

Devotional:
Romans 12 launches us into Paul’s explanation of how the gospel transforms a person’s life. A Jesus follower sacrifices himself to God (vv1-2), an offering that places him in a new community (vv3-21). This community, enthralled with Jesus, is one unified body, composed of many diverse members (vv4-5).

We have no choice in the matter. That’s right — we as American, rebellious, diplomatic, individuals have no choice in the matter. When we trust in Jesus, we are placed into a unified body that demands we each serve the whole. We are His body. Paul’s words emphasize this unity: “one body… one body in Christ… members one of another.” Where does individualism rule in your life? When our self-interest or pride overrules the unified movement of Jesus’ body, we act as though the gospel has not radically changed our lives, adopting us into His body. Do your thoughts, words, and actions reflect unity in the movement of our body to connect with future generations?

Though we are His body, we are each a diverse part grafted together to form Jesus’ presence here on earth. Notice Paul’s emphasis on diversity: “we have many members… all the members do not have the same function… individually members of one another.” We all have differing amounts of time, treasure, and talents. God, thank God, has made us differently and purposefully. Our task is to come before Him to ask, “How have You built me to serve You in this body?” As God answers, which He often does through others, we must act. What time has He gifted you with? Might you arrange it to serve His body in this movement? What treasure has He given you? Might you expend it for His work in this mission? What talents has He given you? Might you use them uniquely to advance this project?

Jesus has placed a grand purpose before our body, that each member would fully invest their unique gifts for the advancement of His gospel in this city. What part will you play?

Prayer:
Confess any individualism or pride that might be keeping you from living as a member of His one body. Praise Him for the opportunity to live as a part of a greater movement which is carried out by His body here on earth. Reflect on your time, treasure, and talents; how has He made you? Ask God what part you are to play in His body as He reaches future generations through us.

Written by Matt Klingler, our singles minister. Matt and Courtney have attended Northwest for six years. They have three children: Jacob (3), Eden (2) and Camryn (6 months).