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There is a church in England that has no lights. Many people who visit the church are shocked that the architect left out something as important as overhead lighting. But the architect had a plan. The various families who regularly attend the church are given their own pew, as well as a lamp and a book. When a family comes to church, their lamp is lit. If they are not in church, the pew is dark.
What difference can one darkened pew make? Not much, you might think. But what if several pews are lacking lamps? Then the whole church would be affected. It’s obvious. If all are present and in their pews, the church is alive with light. If not, the place becomes dark.
What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ! If any one of us is not using the gifts God has given, there will be darkness; but as we use our gifts, the whole body will be full of light. This is how intimately we are linked one with another. That’s why the Lord made it a command – he has made us a light in order to shine for the sake of others.*1
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Help me to know, Lord, what it means to be a part of your body, to function with others for the good of all and the glory of the Son. Help me to understand my place in the body, including my responsibility to brothers and sisters around me. Help me to realize that my role, no matter how small, is significant. Shine through me, Lord, so that the lives of my friends and family will be brightened.
1*Gregory, Joy, story taken from Christian Fellowship for Disabled magazine, New Zealand, No. 58, November 1992, p. 2.
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