A Sharp Lesson

On Saturday evening I was finishing up the preparations for supper when I learned two good lessons. I was finishing up my Rosemary/lemon potatoes. Everything was done except throwing in the fresh chopped rosemary. I pulled out my nice sharp chopping knife and began making my way through the pile of rosemary when my finger got chopped quickly and precisely. The cut went down into my fingernail cutting a “V” out of the nail below the white (sorry if this is too much information). I got it wrapped up and was able to finish supper preparations, but all night long that finger reminded me of that incident. If I bumped it it hurt. If I tried to use it the other fingers had to help to compensate for its uselessness. I’ve spent the hours since then holding my index finger out away from the rest of my hand. Lesson #1 – Curl your fingers up tightly when chopping food!

As I’ve dealt with my cut finger I couldn’t help but think about what the Bible says about each of us being members of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:14-16 For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

Each member has a unique function in the body, so we each have a unique ministry to fulfill. However, if a member doesn’t take care of the ministry they’ve been given by the Lord, another member will have to step in to make up the deficiencies. If a member doesn’t show up they assume that someone else will take up the slack. While that’s often true, it’s just like when the rest of my hand is trying to make up for what the index finger should be doing – the job gets done eventually, but with much more difficulty and strain, and a little slower than the needed member could’ve done it. Lesson #2 – Each member of the body is necessary and will do their ministry best when they are present to do it.

Where has the Lord placed you as a member? Are you faithfully using your abilities and your presence to serve Him there, or is someone else having to make up for you? Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.” Since the Lord led you to your church then be faithful. Don’t be touchy and “hurt” so you can’t be effective. Don’t doubt your importance. My knife is tool that wounded me. Satan knows what tools to use to wound the body so they’re useless. You are a needed member. Believe the Truth and be used of God effectively this week.