v 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
I am a member of Christ’s body.
In this letter Paul writes about the various parts of the body and the roles they play; hands, feet, eyes, ears and so on. Each part is significant and plays a useful role in the functioning of the body as a whole. As a member (a useful component) of the body of Christ you are significant as a member, and significant in your personal role as a member. None of us should be simply that grumbling appendix, always making nuisance of itself and seemingly having no useful role to play! Some people do seem however to be more useful than others – and that perspective is not a helpful one!
We have been brought into the family, chosen and accepted by God, regardless of the role we play or the apparent value of our function. Again, Paul writes about this in 1 Corinthians 12, ‘ In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.’
In our own minds we all too often form some kind of hierarchy of importance in church life. God’s view is very different; each role is significant to the well-being of the whole body.
Be assured, your role in church life (the life of the body) is significant and you are accepted as part of that body however insignificant you feel. The coffee-maker, the worship leader, the tidier of the chairs, the preacher, the sound desk operator, the welcomer at the door, …. You name it, each one is accepted and valued by God as a useful part of the body.
Once you become part of the body of Christ, his church, you are accepted and welcomed as a significant element of his family.