By Dave Anderson, High Priest Quorum President
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ… If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
After an excellent sermon that clarifies scripture and challenges me prophetically, I sometimes say to myself, “Wow, I wish I could preach like that!” After a wonderful prayer that shows spiritual insight and poignantly senses the concerns of the people, I sometimes say to myself, “Wow, I wish I could pray like that!” Or, after a wonderful musical solo, sung or played on an instrument, which connects me to the Spirit, I sometimes say to myself, “Wow, I wish I could sing or play like that!”
How about you? When you witness the wonderful ministry and giftedness of others, do you sometimes desire to express your giftedness in a different way than you do? In other words, do you sometimes wish you had the talents of others?
My earliest memory of such a desire was for a gift of prayer when I attended a church reunion as a young child. My best church friend was gifted with an ability to pray publicly. He was eloquent. His prayers were powerful. I admired him and his gift. I wanted to pray like him.
Over the years, I have been blessed by the giftedness of others. However, today’s scripture reminds us that I—as well as each of you—have gifts to edify and support the body. As members of one body, we are called to develop our own gifts and talents for the good of the community. Of course, we can admire and appreciate the gifts and ministry of others. However, Paul’s insight, encouragement, and emphasis on members of the body remind us that each of us is important to the good of our community. As a traditional African American spiritual proclaims, we may not preach like Peter or pray like Paul, but we have our own giftedness to share to express God’s love. My prayer is that each of us recognize that we are valued members of Christ’s body and called to share our own gifts to edify it.
Prayer Phrase
“…he has given us a new birth into a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3).
Spiritual Practice
Weaving a Life
Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave in 2025?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.