Do I Really Matter

DO I REALLY MATTER

By Carolyn Dale Newell

No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor;

1 Corinthians 12:22-23a (NKJV)

Do I make a difference in the world for Christ? Do I touch the life of anyone in the church? You may ask yourself these questions, but allow me to share with you what I learned on a mountaintop.

As I opened the door, a cool breeze filled the car. I grabbed a sweatshirt from the backseat. We had visited Cling man’s Dome, the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains, enough to know how to be prepared for the sudden change in temperatures. The cold, damp environment at the summit makes it unique from the lower elevations.

Trees withstand storms when they have deep roots, but on the mountain top, the roots reach a depth of only 18 inches. Then there is bedrock. In order to be stronger, their roots grow horizontally, interlocking with one another.

What a perfect picture of the church, or what the church should be. Each member supports the others while we are planted on our firm foundation, our rock, the Lord.

The trees which support each other are dying. An insect, the adelgid, is injecting a poison, and it is starving the trees. As each tree dies, the surrounding ones become more susceptible to damage from storms, wind, and ice. This section of forest is the home for many other insects and birds. Not only are the trees dying, but the wildlife that calls this area home is dying also.

Just as each tree, insect, bird, and animal on Cling man’s Dome depend on one another, so does each member of the church. You may not feel like you play an important role, but God says even the weak members are necessary. Yes, God said that! The preacher may not brag on you. He may not know how you contribute to the church. Nobody may say thank you, but God does.

You may clean the church, mow the grass, or give someone a smile. You may be a preacher, writer, speaker, or singer. Your hug has lifted the heart of the overwhelmed mom. You encouraged the man fighting cancer. You brightened the day for a shut-in.

No member is too weak. No role is too small. No act goes undetected. Yes, you matter!

Father, thank You for saying even the weaker members are necessary. Sometimes we get weary in well-doing, and sometimes we take people for granted. We fail to show our appreciation for them. Help each of us serve You whole-heartedly. Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Corinthians 12:15-26 to better understand how necessary each member is in the church.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Encourage someone today. Let them know what they do matters.

 

Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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