If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
1 Corinthians 12:15-16
These two verses address a lie that the early believers were buying into. The lie was, “I just don’t belong.” Oddly enough that same lie persists today. Believing you don’t belong can feel like a simple emotionless bit of perspective you’ve made your peace with long ago. It can also feel like a crushing, unrelenting, invalidating, bitter sorrow.
The foot’s misconception about belonging to the body has no bearing on whether or not it actually belongs, it’s a foot. Rendering the entire statement void and pointless, an inane malediction. If it weren’t such a prolific lie, it’d be funny. Are we content to serve the Lord even if we can’t meet our own expectations? Can we take comfort in God’s appointment and simply do our best? The Lord chose the person to be the foot, he knew the faults and shortcomings of said foot, and maybe it’s not the nicest foot, but He makes the decisions and gets the glory.
God chose Moses to speak to Pharaoh, and the least of Jesse’s sons to be Israel’s greatest king, and Gideon to be a general of the smallest army ever. Only the Lamb of God will be able to open the seals in the end. Even Jesus, the captain of creation, came as a suffering servant. The principle is that our servant roles are given to us to bring Him glory alone.
If you’re serving a need in his name, you are absolutely indispensable! Keep going, you’re serving the Lord himself. If you’re not serving, get in here! If God has a role for me, of all people, he’s got one for you too!
Jonathan Duncan