Mark Johnson Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 The New Testament often refers to the church as the Body of Christ. We are, collectively, the bride of Christ. One section of the passage for today says: 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. There are many ways to serve in a church. In the Free Methodist tradition, we have an ordination process for local and conference ministers. These people are called to serve in the church as an ordained leader. But, they are not the whole body, right? We all need to participate in service as an expression of the Spirit in our life, and also as a way to use the gifts we specifically have received from the Spirit. The goal is not to add to a to-do list. That is not serving in a healthy way. There are seasons for service, and seasons for rest. Our body works best when we take care of it. Our bodies will usually signal when it is time for rest. When we are tuned in to our bodies, we can sense when we need to slow down, when we need to eat, and how to take care of ourselves. And it is the same with the Body of Christ! We serve as we are able, when we are in a space to give and to love others well. The reflection then is not “should I serve”, but how has the Lord gifted me to serve, and where in my church and/or community can those gifts be used? When we approach service from the standpoint of using our gifts to serve the Lord and the body, we will be able to serve as a healthy member of the body. The book Ecclesiastes is considered part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. I am sure we are familiar with chapter 3:1 (or maybe the Byrds song of similar lyrics!): “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”. We are called, as the Body of Christ, to service. To be a part of the local church and community in ways to use our gifts and glorify the Lord who gave them to us. Let us pray and consider how the Lord has gifted us, and how those gifts might bless our local church and the Body of Christ. TIME FOR REFLECTION: ● What gifts has the Lord given to me? How can they support the Body? ● Do I need rest? Am I serving out of guilt or fear? OR am I serving out of the overflow? Do I…