But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. (1 Corinthians 12:18)

The Bible likens the church to a family and to a physical body. We are called as Christians to be functioning, participating, contributing members of the body of Christ. We need to be a part of a body where there is accountability, friendship, and koinonia. We need to be a part of a body where we come to receive and to learn, but we also need a place where we can contribute and serve the Lord with the gifts He has given us.  In comparing the church to a body, the apostle Paul wrote, “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’ ” (1 Corinthians 12:20-21).

I do many things with my hands, but I don’t really think about how I’m going to use them. My hands just sort of do what they do. Underneath the skin everything is working together so I can use my hands. Each part of my body is dependent on another part of my body.   In the same way, the church as a body is interdependent. We cannot live and flourish apart from other believers. God wants us to engage. He wants us to be a part of what He is doing. Attending church is not a spectator sport. We are here to be a functioning part of His church.

Everyone has a job to do. Everyone has a need to serve. And yes, there is a place for you. Are you doing your part?