How the Body Functions
Each member draws life from the same source and fulfills its unique role — no comparison needed.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection from Ray Stedman brings us into the heartbeat of the early church as described in Acts 6. Faced with a growing congregation and practical needs, the apostles made a Spirit-led decision to delegate the work of serving tables to men full of wisdom and the Spirit. Far from dismissing that role as beneath them, the apostles were honoring the diverse gifts of the body, each expression necessary for the health and growth of the whole.
These were not leaders puffed up with pride. They were men who had knelt beside Jesus as He washed their feet — men who had heard the Lord declare that the greatest among them must be the servant of all. Their decision to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word wasn’t about status, but about faithfulness to their particular calling. They were laying the foundation of the Church — a foundation we now hold in our hands as the New Testament — while entrusting others with equally vital ministries of compassion and practical care.
Yet as I reflect on Stedman’s teaching, I feel compelled to add a gentle but necessary caution — one that history and experience both confirm. Though the apostles’ decision was clearly led by the Spirit, the human heart is all too capable of misusing what God intends for unity. Over time, functional distinctions have been twisted into false hierarchies: clergy elevated over laity, sacred roles exalted above so-called secular ones, teaching prized above serving — as if one expression of Christ’s life carries more spiritual worth than another. But this kind of distortion grieves the Spirit and fractures the very unity Jesus prayed for.
Even two of Jesus’ own disciples once asked for seats of honor in His kingdom. His response was a loving rebuke and a kingdom reset: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” The church began with this understanding, but the temptation to divide rather than unify still lingers. This reflection invites us to return again to Christ as Head, to see the beauty of each gift functioning in love, without comparison, without competition.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit
My beloved, I have appointed each member in the body just as I desired. The gifts I give are never to create hierarchy but harmony — never to elevate one over another, but to reflect My manifold grace through many vessels. In My kingdom, function does not determine value, and no role outshines another when it is filled with Me.
I gave the apostles their calling — not to exalt them, but to entrust them with truth for the sake of My bride. I poured out wisdom and discernment on others, not to divide the church, but to equip it. When each part yields to Me, My life flows freely, without competition, without comparison, without pride.
Yet you must be watchful. The flesh craves position, and the world seeks prestige. Even My closest followers once asked for seats of honor, forgetting that I came not to be served, but to serve. In the generations that followed, distinctions meant for coordination were twisted into separation. What I joined together as one body was divided into castes — some elevated, others diminished.
Do not let this be so among you. Let the mind of Christ be in you — the One who made Himself nothing, who stooped low to lift others up. The Spirit I have given you leads you not into self-importance, but into self-giving love. Rejoice in the role I have chosen for you, however hidden or humble it may seem, and trust that through you, I am building up My church in love.
Scripture references: Acts 6:2–4; Luke 22:24–27; John 13:3–17; Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–27; Philippians 2:5–8; Ephesians 4:11–16
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a power strip plugged into a single outlet. Each device connected draws what it needs from the same source — a lamp doesn’t need the energy of a laptop, and a phone charger doesn’t need the wattage of a blender. Each one functions best when it receives what it was designed for. Likewise, when we live out the role God has designed for us — not imitating others, but drawing life from Christ — we light up our corner of the world with grace.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rejoice that You have perfectly placed me within the body of Christ. You’ve already given me all I need in Your Spirit to fulfill the role You’ve assigned. I rest in the sufficiency of Christ in me, trusting You to express Your wisdom, compassion, or truth through me — however You will. I no longer strive to prove my worth by doing more or being seen. I gladly embrace the low place, the quiet role, the unnoticed corner — if that’s where You shine brightest through me. And I trust You to work through my brothers and sisters just as fully. Thank You that there are no higher callings in Your kingdom — only different expressions of one glorious life. Amen.