In the book of Exodus, we are given this intelligence.

Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…and he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.

Exodus 35:30-31,34 (NIV)

Bezalel and Oholiab were given all their gifts, skills, and abilities for one purpose. To serve God by serving the Israelites. In 1 Corinthians 12, when talking about Spiritual gifts, Paul has this to say about Spiritual gifts.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (emphasis added).

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)

In the first chapter of James, we get this clarification of where every good and perfect gift comes from.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 (NIV)

In 1 Corinthians 12, while continuing to discuss Spiritual gifts, Paul points out that every gift is important to the body of Christ, and no one should desire to be something other than what God created them to be. Indeed, Paul compares the body of Christ to a human body, stating, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV). After comparing the human body to the body of Christ, Paul declares.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

If we consider what Paul said and how every Christian is a member of Christ’s body, and therefore one in the body, functioning as a whole, given skills, talents, and abilities to “serve the common good,” then what do we say to those who call themselves Christians but don’t go to church or congregate with other Christians in fellowship? 

Before you answer that question, consider this.

Paul compared the body of Christ to the human body. When a human body loses one of its parts, a condition may surface called “phantom pain.” Although the missing part is no longer part of the body, the body “misses” it because it expects it to be there. This phantom pain reminds me of when someone I loved died. That person was part of my life, and I did or didn’t do things every day because they were in it. At times, I’d forget they were gone and have to stop myself from doing that thing I used to do when they were alive. I think those times when I’d forget they were gone and suddenly remember they were dead were worse than when they first died, and I longed for their return. 

This phantom pain for lost limbs and for those that were once part of our lives is what we should feel for those Christians who don’t join us in fellowship. They are a part of the body, and they are missed. Indeed, until we are called home to be with the Lord, we should feel this pain for all of those yet to come into the body of Christ. Whether they call themselves “Christian” or walk amongst the lost, if we walk around believing the body of Christ is whole and complete, where is our faith, and why preach the Gospel message? 

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.