Different But Useful
For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly....Romans 12:4-6a
Once upon a time, the animals decided to organize a school. They adopted a curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying.
The duck was excellent in swimming, but made only passing grades in flying, and was very poor in running. So, he dropped swimming and began to practice running. Soon his webbed feet were hurting so badly that he became only average in swimming.
The rabbit started at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because he had to do extra work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but was constantly frustrated in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down.
The eagle was a non-conformist. In climbing classes he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there....
In the body of Christ, we all have different abilities, qualities, roles, and talents which we can use to contribute God's glory through the work of the church. Our Lord Jesus accepts all true believers and expects us to use all that we have to serve Him and serve others.
-Kipton Garrett, adapted from Ancil Jenkins
Once upon a time, the animals decided to organize a school. They adopted a curriculum of running, climbing, swimming, and flying.
The duck was excellent in swimming, but made only passing grades in flying, and was very poor in running. So, he dropped swimming and began to practice running. Soon his webbed feet were hurting so badly that he became only average in swimming.
The rabbit started at the top of his class in running, but developed a nervous twitch in his leg muscles because he had to do extra work in swimming.
The squirrel was excellent in climbing, but was constantly frustrated in flying class because his teacher made him start from the ground up instead of from the treetop down.
The eagle was a non-conformist. In climbing classes he beat all the others to the top of the tree, but insisted on using his own way to get there....
In the body of Christ, we all have different abilities, qualities, roles, and talents which we can use to contribute God's glory through the work of the church. Our Lord Jesus accepts all true believers and expects us to use all that we have to serve Him and serve others.
-Kipton Garrett, adapted from Ancil Jenkins