Balancing Roles in Christ

Scripture: For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. Romans 12:3-4

Observation: As Paul goes into his instructions for how to behave as a church - both corporately and individually - this is the first instruction, to think about each others with respect for functions, skills, and strengths, within the one body of Christ, and each individual with different functions. He goes into more details about using spiritual gifts, and about how to interact, but the core is this ... no one should be proud of their calling over another's calling.

While this verse is notable for defining the metaphor of the "body of Christ", and perhaps for Sunday school songs it inspires talking about the differences between eyes and ears and feet, the real issue he is addressing is prideful attitudes. He is pointing out equality in the church, regardless of how each individual relates to others. It is when that attitude of equality - and especially the elimination of the attitude of pride - exists, that the church members can then love one another, give freely to each other, and have the community Paul describes in the rest of the chapter.

Application: Just this morning, my wife and I were talking about our pride in the context of wishing others would take on new responsibilities in the church. Mostly, we were saying this because we see value in others and want them to assume some leadership. However, my wife was right when she said that, at least in part, we were saying that we have a lot of 'value' and others should step up and provide the same value to the body of Christ.

The truth is God has those people doing what he wants them to do, and they are perhaps of far more value to him than we are. I was in my old trap of valuing certain activities more than others. It is a good reminder that I still can have that poor aptitude ... and that I still have far too much pride.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your gentle correction today. You are right that my pride remains a stumbling block for me, and I repent from that attitude. I truly do enjoy humble service, and I thank you for the chance I have to do some of it this week. May I serve you as you desire, as others do as well. Amen.