Everybody is a Somebody!

Dear Kids,

Everybody wants to be somebody. Within the American culture there is a constant push towards this goal. But a big problem with this trend is our definition of significance. We tend to define a person’s importance by their position in society, their job preference, the amount of money they possess, their specific talents, and numerous other superficial reasons. Others who do not possess these opportunities are considered insignificant and unnecessary. This is not the biblical way.

Each person who comes to know Jesus as Savior is part of what the Apostle Paul calls the body of Christ. Within this body each individual has a significant part to play and their importance is not based on only certain criteria.  Paul himself is an example of this. By today’s standards he would be no one of consequence because he was imprisoned, poor, and rejected by most of society. Yet the part he played in the spread of God’s message was critical to the growth of the church.

The human body is a wonderful thing. In speaking to a pharmacy student friend of mine I was reminded of all the chemicals that our bodies contain – each has specific functions for our health. When even the slightest change takes place there can be grave consequences. Yet most of us go on living our lives never thinking about the delicate balance that keep our systems functioning. We tend to worry more about what our hair looks like or how tan our skin is than we do about the other unseen organs that keep our body in good working order.

In the same way each believer’s contribution to the body of Christ is crucial to its growth. Paul says that the whole body is fitted and held together by what EVERY joint supplies according to the proper working of EACH individual part. There are some who have visible positions, but they are not more important than those who work behind the scenes praying, visiting shut-ins, or even cleaning the church building. Each job is significant to the proper functioning of the body, and when something doesn’t get done everyone suffers.

No wonder Paul implores all believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ. The health of the whole body depends on each individual doing their part well.Our popular culture may define significance by superficial criteria, but with God there isn’t one person who is unnecessary. In God’s kingdom EVERYBODY is a SOMEBODY!

Love,

Mama