“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:27-28).
There is order in the body of Christ. Each has a position and there should always be mutual respect. In our contemporary culture, we tend to think in terms of equality. In the kingdom, God levels the field by grace, but there is an order of things, so we ought not be worldly, but recognize that there is one Lord of all, and He appoints to positions of authority those whom He appoints.
Lord, this world loves to have its tyrants. Let me neither be one, nor uphold one. Yet, there is a place for position and authority. Help me to have a godly balance that I would not tear down, but lift up and acknowledge my position in Your body. Help me to use those gifts and abilities that You grant by grace that I would live into the life to which You have called me. Help me learn to always be faithful.
Lord Jesus, You have taught us that equality with God is not something to be grasped. You came humbly and demonstrated obedience as a Son to the Father. Teach me both to lead and to follow. Help me in all things to be faithful to the call You give and to obey, even when You are going to have me do something the world says is impossible. In all things, may I look to You. Amen.
