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| February 9, 2002 |
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| "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Romans 12:3-5 Here is a parable of a nail that teaches a great lesson: A new place of worship had just been completed. People came from near and far to see it. They admired the beauty of its windows, the walls, the carpet on the floors. Preachers were carried away with the handsome pulpit Bible. On the roof a little two-penny nail held down a shingle. This little nail heard the people praise everything else, but none mentioned the shingle nail or seemed to be conscious of its existence. The little nail became very angry and said, "If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit." So, the little nail pulled out, raced down the steep roof and fell on the soft ground below. That night a big rain came and the shingle nail was buried in the mud. The difference between being buried in the mud and holding down the shingle is this: before the nail was obscure but useful. Furthermore, it was protected under the shingle. Now it will soon be eaten up by rust. The worst of the story is yet to come. The shingle that the nail held down was now loose, and without the cooperation from the nail, it blew away, leaving a hole in the roof. The same big rain that buried the nail leaked in through the vacant spot where the shingle was, running into the beautiful auditorium. The water ran down the walls, leaving them all marred. It leaked upon the Bible and stained its pages. It leaked upon the carpet and the beautiful rug was stained. All because one little nail failed to do its job. Paul shows us here in this scripture that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded. Some may have larger tasks than others, but they are all equally important to God. Paul emphasizes the importance of each church member. If a seemingly insignificant part is taken away, the whole body becomes less effective. Thinking that your gift is more important than someone else's is also an expression of spiritual pride. We should not look down on those who seem unimportant, and we should not be jealous of others who have more visible gifts. Rather, we should use the gifts we have been given and encourage others to use theirs. If we don't, the body of believer's will be less effective. We have a world to win to the Savior and each of us has a responsibility to that task. What kind of nail are you? One that does your part and are essential to the glory of God? Or one that fails to do what you are capable of and have the ability to do? Every nail is important and essential. May the Lord bless you and shine down upon you today and always. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |