The Need for Connectedness Part 3

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, Romans 12:4

Paul writes: ‘We are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be…If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them’ (vv. 4-8).

Unhappiness can often begin with the absence of connection. It’s not in having a mobile phone with a lot of numbers in it; it’s in sharing your life with those who live for causes greater than themselves. Where should you start? By visiting a lonely, forgotten person in the nearest nursing home. By volunteering to work in a food bank once a week. By saying to your pastor, ‘Please give me a job that involves helping others.’ These are small steps, but you will be amazed how they enrich your life.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me find ways to serve others each day and week. In Jesus’ Name, Amen