Connections

One of the things that fascinates me the most about creation is how interconnected everything is. God’s creation is designed in such a way that each part works with and depends on many other parts. Sometimes we tend to think only the big and impressive animals are important, but without all the little insects doing their very important jobs, many other creatures would not be able to live and do their jobs, and then even more creatures would not be able to live their best lives and do their jobs. Because everything is so connected, each job is equally important.

The flower’s job, for example, is to produce seeds. To do that job, it often needs help from a bee. Without the bee, the flower cannot become a nut, or seed, or fruit, and it cannot in turn feed the squirrel, who in turn cannot do its job of spreading seeds and feeding the fox, and it goes on and on from there. The bee and the flower might seem unimportant, but without them many other creatures are affected. God’s design for creation means everything works together and depends on each other in order to live its best life. There are no small jobs or unimportant jobs in God's creation.

Just like the physical creation, the kingdom of God is designed to have members depend on each other and work together in order for all members to live their best lives. And just like our example from creation, there are no small jobs or unimportant jobs to be done. Sometimes we might not appreciate our gifts and talents, or we might think they are unimportant, or we wish we were good at something else, but we need to remember that “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” (1 Cor. 12:18). Each of us has a job to do in the kingdom of God, and no matter how insignificant it might seem, each job is equally important.

Check It Out!

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 to find out more about what the Bible says about the church as a body.

Try This!

Think about a squirrel (or any animal or plant you want). Now think about everything that a squirrel is connected to. Make a list of everything that the squirrel depends on and is dependent on. How many things did you come up with?