Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. … All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:1-7, 11-12
Proper Body Image
Over the last few years, the fashion and celebrity news industries have faced criticism for publishing pictures of people who were "too perfect." Airbrushing away imperfections and photo-shopping figures have become the norm. People who read the magazines saw those faces and bodies different than they really are. And then, they saw their own faces and bodies differently.
How do you see yourself? God is straight-forward and honest. Without Jesus, people are far, far away from God. People without Jesus are led astray into all sorts of wrong directions–in what they believe, what they do and how they see themselves. Without Jesus, they not a pretty picture.
God says Christians are different. God the Holy Spirit worked faith and trust in their hearts. So, Christians rely completely on Jesus as their Savior from sin and death.
God the Holy Spirit makes Christians "look" different, too. They are no longer far from God, but they are made a part of "the body of Christ." By faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit connects them to all other Christians. And, by faith in Jesus, Christians are connected with Jesus himself.
God the Holy Spirit gives Christians spiritual gifts. Each part of the body has gifts. Each Christian is valued, important and gifted–a perfect fit in the "body of Christ."
So, Christians see themselves the way that God sees them. Christians are sinners who are forgiven and saved by Jesus. Christians are a part of the body of Christ–connected to other Christians, connected to Jesus, and gifted to serve God and others.
See yourself the way God has made you to be. You are valuable because Jesus died and rose for you. You look different and beautiful because the Holy Spirit has made you a part of the body of Christ. Remember that you are connected with other Christians and with Jesus. You are never alone. The Holy Spirit has blessed you with spiritual gifts. Use them to serve God and others.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank you for your powerful work in my heart and life. You have given me, a sinner, saving faith in Jesus. You have made me a part of his body. You have connected me to other Christians and to Jesus. Thank you. Because you have given me spiritual gifts, lead me to use them to benefit others and glorify you. Amen.
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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