READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Few of us can fight temptation on our own. In fact, all of us need the support of others to overcome temptation and break sin patterns in our lives. Others hold us accountable to godly living. They pray for us. They help us memorize scripture so we can treasure God’s Word in our heart and not sin against Him (Psa 119:11). They pick us up when we fall, helping to restore us “with a gentle spirit” (Gal 6:1).
Likewise, all of us fit in the Body of Christ as “God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted” (1 Cor 12:21). Whether we’re a “hand,” a “foot,” or an “ear” in the body, all of us matter. We need others, and they need us as we strive together to serve Christ. Indeed, God created us with a need for other relationships in our lives (Gen 2:18).
Discipling, then, requires not only that we build relationships with others, but also that we teach them to do the same. We challenge our disciples to invest in others, love others, equip others, pray for others, and model Christian living before others. “Lone ranger” Christianity is a contradiction in terms.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for others in my life who help me to follow You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 14-15, 2 Corinthians 7:2-8:15
