A few weeks ago, my family and I went out for dinner. This does happen occasionally, as we enjoy the time out, and we don’t always want to have to do the dishes afterwards. We went to a place where we don’t normally go, just to keep things fresh, and as we were seated, our server came to our table and introduced himself. The first thing I noticed is that our server only had one arm. Based on some personal experience I had with a student who had a similar situation, this looked to be something this man had been born with, as opposed to an accident or injury.
With two boys under seven, my fear was immediately that they would say something or stare at the young man, putting unwanted attention on him. I certainly didn’t want our kids making him more uncomfortable than necessary. Though I am ashamed to admit it, I even had a fleeting thought of “how can he be a server…?”
He was very friendly, and chatted with all of us, and took our drink orders. That’s when they noticed. They could’t stop looking. Trying desperately to get their attention, I decided to offer soda for dinner (which was not in the plan, but an emergency attention-getting maneuver which other parents will understand), and they did manage to look away to answer my question. We had a quick and quiet conversation after he left the table to get our drinks, and that seemed to end that problem.
As it turns out, this young man was a remarkable server. NOT just remarkable for someone who is overcoming an obstacle that many of us don’t face, but genuinely very good at his job. He was attentive, friendly, and on the ball with refills. There were no difficulties for him in carrying the tray of drinks, or even bringing our tray with five meals on it! Humbled again, I re-learned the age-old lesson about books and covers and all that.
I thought about this experience after the pastor started his series on “The Body Of Christ.” In a move of divine coincidence, the 7th Grade Sunday school class that I’ve been teaching has been talking about their identity in Christ, and this past week was how that identity fits into the whole Body. Individuals are “Fearfully and wonderfully made” according to Psalm 139:14. There are no mistakes, even though our human understanding occasionally questions that statement. God uses us the way He made us, period. This guy with one good arm did the job better than some people who have been blessed with both of their arms. He obviously learned to function at a high capacity, and more than likely, while ignoring the stares and judgments of people through his whole life.
The Body of Christ is a specific design. All of us who claim to be followers of Jesus have a place in the Body. We are all parts. Yes, there are many extraordinary individuals who learn to function with reduced capacity, but the Body of Christ is not designed to adapt like that. It is designed to be whole, and for each individual part to function according to design. God doesn’t make mistakes. Our personalities, abilities, talents, and gifts were all given to us with a purpose. Whether we are to be the eyes, mouth, hands, feet, or even kneecaps of the Body of Christ, we all have a job. When we don’t do our job, we are hindering the whole Body from operating correctly and to full capacity.
What part are you? If you don’t know specifically, are you even trying to figure it out? Each of us has a part to play, and there are many that don’t know Christ that are counting on us whether they know it or not. In the same vein, prosthetic parts don’t fill those voids, either. False followers don’t work as well as organic, real believers in Christ. We need to examine our hearts, and truly decide if we’re doing our work in the Body, or if we are even a genuine part of this body at all? While my experience with a wonderful server taught me a few things, the Body of Christ cannot serve those around us if it isn’t working properly.
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