March 19, 2007

Boots, Gloves, and the Body of Christ

Read: Galatians 6:2-10

“Now you are the body do Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

What better says “work” than a sturdy set of leather gloves and a pair of roughed-up boots? Not much. But what good can a glove do without a hand inside it? How far can boots go without the feet that wear them?

Here are some names of hands and feet: Luis Versical, Emily Stowell, Bruce Kafarski, Tamara Baubie, Lynn Van de Putte, Dave DeWitt – and there are more. These people are the hands and feet of Christ. They will be wearing boots and gloves and helping Christ rebuild homes and lives that were shattered eighteen months ago by two hurricanes.

And just as gloves and boots don't go far without hands and feet – hands and feet can't work without arms and legs and a body of Christ to guide the work, and pump life's blood to sustain the effort.

So who is that body of Christ? You know, of course. It's all of us. It's you and whoever else is reading this devotion.

Maybe you went to Gumbopalooza to have some fun and do some good. Or maybe you will join us on the trip to New Orleans, where we are going to have a lot of fun and do a lot of good.

But if you didn't contribute a dessert, and you didn't make it to Gumbopalooza, and you can't spare a little something to help those still suffering, it's OK.

Just keep us in your prayers, and especially pray for the people we are going to serve.

You are the body of Christ, and your presence, your prayers, and your service sustain the hands and feet of Christ wherever they work.

The Volunteers in Mission headed for New Orleans are a special group of people, but they aren't the only special group. People in this congregation serve in dozens of missions within our family of faith, and throughout the community and world at large.

I describe all of us as the Body of Christ, but everyone of us is also called in some way to be His hands and feet. If you haven't found your calling, just take a moment now to listen to the quiet voice deep inside you. What is it saying right now? If the noise of the world is drowning it out, then stop for a moment right here, right now.

Can you hear Him now?
Adapted from a Gumbopalooza and Volunteers in Mission announcement 2/4/07.
Bob Rossbach