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Service

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we [Christians] who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."¹

Sir Michael Costa, the celebrated conductor, was holding a rehearsal. As the mighty chorus rang out, accompanied by scores of instruments, the musician playing the piccolo (a little pint-sized flute) thinking perhaps that his contribution would not be missed amid so much music, stopped playing. Suddenly, the great leader stopped and cried out, "Where is the piccolo?"

The sound of that one small instrument was essential to the harmony, and the conductor missed it when it dropped out. The point? To the conductor there are no insignificant instruments in an orchestra. Sometimes the smallest and seemingly least important one can make the greatest contribution, and even if it doesn't seem to make that big a difference to the audience at large, the conductor knows it right away!²

In God's kingdom there is a place for everyone. There are no exceptions to this rule. Thus it is important that everyone is in his or her place if God's work on earth is going to be done harmoniously.

At times I may feel insignificant and that I can't do much for God, but as Edward Everett Hales said, "I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have a place for me in your kingdom work on earth. Please help me to sharpen my gift and use it for your glory in the world in which I live. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Romans 12:4-6 (NIV).
2. Adapted from Richard Love, Sermon: "Blowing Your Horn," Memphis: Sermon Illustrations.

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