“There is Room for Everyone”

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

In George Reavis’  “Animal School”, the animals decide to organize a school.  They adopt an activity curriculum consisting of running, climbing, swimming, and flying.  To make it easier to administer the curriculum, all the animals take all of the subjects. The duck is great at swimming, but a poor runner. The rabbit started at the top of his class in running, but dropped out because of the make-up work in swimming.  The squirrel was an excellent climber, but was frustrated with his flying lessons.  The eagle was a problem child, because in climbing class he insisted on using his own way to get to the top of the tree.  The prairie dogs stayed out of school because there were no classes in digging and burrowing.  What is the moral of this fable?  Do you see any similarities between the fable and the passage above?

In the context Paul is speaking of the body of Christ. (vs.4) The members of the body must not argue with each other, nor envy each other over their relative importance.  Each part has a function no matter how prominent or hidden they may be.  An honest assessment of self, and recognition of the importance of others will hold vain pride in check. 

No matter what the gift, each one must recognize that such gifts come from God.  One may be quite gifted in public speaking, another in quickly making acquaintances, another in leading; others have a special touch with those who are hurting.  But each gift comes from God.  There is no room for pride or arrogance.  God wants each one to use their gift out of a sense of mutual service.  Our focus must be on meeting the needs of the body “for we are members one of another”.

Furthermore, our worth in the body must be solely viewed through the grace of God.  Without Christ we are worthless, hell bound sinners.  That applies to every one of us.  A reminder of our common dependence in the same Savior will promote humility rather that pride and arrogance.

Instead of thinking so much of your own worth, turn your attention to the ministry of your brother.  Acknowledge his efforts and see to his needs. “There is room in the kingdom of God, my brother for the small things that you can do; Just a small kindly deed that may cheer another is the work God has planned for you.”

By George Slover
 

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