“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)
In October of 1977, I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I had no idea what being an Episcopalian meant. Instead, I saw confirmation as something that would enable me to improve my station in life. Episcopalians seemed to enjoy more success than members of other denominations.
By way of background, I had been reared in a Southern Baptist church and later joined Methodist and Presbyterian churches in my search for peace and happiness. I dressed out for the part no matter what church I frequented. But beneath that costume lurked an ambitious, albeit unhappy man. I saw God in others no matter where I worshipped, but I never saw God in me.
The Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Communion every Sunday. Larger parishes celebrate Holy Communion every day. Holy Communion for the Episcopalian is a Sacrament, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. It’s the Church’s way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present and encourages all of us to continually remember His life, death and resurrection, until He comes again.
One of my favorite parts of the Holy Communion is after the bread and wine have been consecrated, the Celebrant (usually an Episcopal Priest) announces: “The gifts of God for the people of God.” While I am ashamed to tell you how little those words meant to me then, words cannot express what they mean to me now.
Interestingly, I have returned to my Southern Baptist heritage. I guess all things in life really do come full circle. But this time around has been different. I wasn’t saved in the Baptist Church. I found salvation in the Presbyterian Church. However, I realize now more than ever that when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I became a member of a larger family that has a common goal. Indeed, our charge, as the Apostle Paul explained to the Church at Corinth, is that our actions as Christians should reflect an attitude and character that are Christ-like. So while we stand united for a common purpose, to bring others to know who Christ is, we should embrace the diverse strengths that each of us brings to the table to accomplish that purpose.
When we accept Christ, we receive gifts from God that are intended to be used to bring others to Him. Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 that while we may receive different kinds of gifts, for different kinds of service or works, the same God, the same Lord and the same Spirit works all of them in us. In other words, one Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, works through us so that others may be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
What are you doing with the gifts that God gave you at the moment of your salvation? Are you using them to serve Him, or are you hiding them from those for whom they were really intended? And if you think that the gifts you have will not measure up in God’s eyes, remember 1 Corinthians 12:22: “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”
We are born again, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we comprise the Body of Christ, each with the image of God and each with the ability to show His character. There could not be any more truth in the Episcopal proclamation, “The gifts of God for the people of God.”
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