Unimportance vs. Importance

One of the adult Christian Education classes has been studying/discussing the interaction and interdependence of the individual members of the body of Christ.  The intention and design of this time of study is to remind the individual believers that each of us play a significant role in the overall plan of God.  The need for the expression of individual gifting can get lost in the "corporate" expression of what we may define as a successful ministry effort in the Kingdom of God.  We must remember that the sum of the individual members of the Body of Christ is greater than the sum of the individual member who may act as a "lone ranger" in the work of the Kingdom of God.  I can further explain that theory with these words: "We can accomplish more working together as a team than what we can accomplish on our own as individuals."

I see two mistakes that we can make as we become involved in the concept of a team or interdependent body of believers.  1) We can feel that we are unsuccessful or unimportant in the work of the Kingdom because WE identify our efforts as unimportant or in some cases unnecessary.  But in 1 Corinthians 12 Paul says that all members of the body have an important and necessary role.  2) We can over emphasize the importance of our contribution because of the visibility of our actions or role. These thoughts or actions can lead us into the sins of pride and arrogance and these sins become a hindrance or obstacle to the success of the Kingdom of God.  Either one of these thought processes can be detrimental or divisive in the ministry call that we have individually and corporately.  The easiest way to avoid these pitfalls is to be willing to walk in our gifting/call with a true spirit of servanthood. We need to be thankful that God has called us to work with Him in the declaration and spreading of the wonderful message of the Gospel.  Each of you are important to the work of the Kingdom and each of you have much to contribute.  Learn to become comfortable with your spiritual identity and be willing to offer to God excellent service regardless of the task or responsibility.