Have you ever stubbed or broken a toe, especially your little toe? It seems so small, but when it is not functioning well with the rest of the foot, it is very noticeable. This past week I have had a hand and wrist wrapped up in a splint; they are unusable and out of commission. As I have struggled to do even basic tasks, I realize how much I need that hand to function well. I realize how much longer it takes me to do things with only one hand—and some things I can’t do at all.

Thinking about the parts of the body helps us understand the way spiritual gifts work in the church, the people who make up the body of Christ. This reminds us that working together, with everyone using their gifts and talents, makes the tasks to be accomplished much easier. It also means that everyone is included in the project. Often we see only the more visible gifts and give them more value. But, as a pastor, I like to remind people that you may see a nose, but if the kidney and heart were not functioning well, the nose wouldn’t be either.

When Jesus sent his disciples down the street, he never sent them alone (see Luke 10). He knew they would need to work together to do the tasks he called them to do. I am thankful that God made us all different so that working together would always be better.