Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.  Romans 12:4-5 NLT

 

As a new year of Virtue Bible study draws near, it’s no coincidence that the Lord gave me this verse to meditate on. We are one body, with many parts. Pondering this, I thought of last year’s Summer Olympics. I tried to watch as many events as I could. I was inspired by the individual stories about the athletes, and all that they sacrificed and overcame to compete at the games.

One particular event drew me in more than I anticipated . . . team rowing. Especially eight-member team rowing. In this race, a crew of eight rowers and a coxswain work in unison to reach the finish line. The fascinating part is that the rowers do not get to see where they’re going! They row with their backs facing the finish line! Only one person, the coxswain, sees where they are heading. It’s his responsibility to steer, motivate, and communicate with the team during the race. They are completely dependent on receiving directions from him. It’s simply amazing to watch!

The team puts complete trust in the coxswain, knowing he’s in control and able to direct them where they need to move. But it doesn’t stop there! Team members must trust each other as well, because each position has a special function that is equally pivotal for the team as a whole. One team, made up of many parts.

This is exactly what serving in Virtue is all about! We are one ministry, made of many parts, each with a special function. Whether director, support leader, group leader, greeter, administrator or teacher, we all have a role that supports every other person’s role. We need each other in order to move forward to the finish line.

But we don’t do it alone. We have the Lord! By His Word and through His Holy Spirit, we will receive our directions to move. Our responsibility is simply to obey in unity, even when we don’t see exactly where we’re heading. He does, and He wants us to succeed.  He sees the finish line, and knows the best path to take. What a comfort that is! Let it ease your anxiety when you feel like it’s up to you to figure out every move. Just rest, knowing He is control. He knows. He directs. He is calling the race!