Devotion: How to Be the Body of Christ

 

“Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which he is to bless us now.” ~St. Teresa of Avila

I have unusually small hands.

They are more the size of a child’s hands and a little bit on the pudgy side. I have always looked longingly at people with long, thin fingers and marveled at their beauty. I had long hoped that as I grew, my hands would become long and thin, but alas, it was not to be.

However, these hands are not my own. I did not create them. They were uniquely created and given to me as a gift. When I look at these small hands, and judge them on their exteriors alone, I fail to see their strength, beauty, and potential. God formed them with a purpose all their own, and because he did, they are perfect. These hands of mine have a heavenly mission to love on each person that God brings my way, and I refuse to let any insecurity or selfishness stifle the Creator’s vision for his creation.

Out of curiosity, I asked my parents (separately) what they thought about my hands. My mom’s instant response was, “Pretty. I have always loved your small, pretty hands. I have small hands too.”

My dad said, “Cute. I have always loved your cute, small hands. They were always outstretched, ready to hold someone’s hand or give a hug. I have held those hands many times. I have small hands too. And just remember, Sarah, you don’t need big hands to do God’s work.”

Exactly.

Then it hit me. I come from a beautiful legacy of small hands. My mom’s small hands have taught me how to give great hugs that make people feel loved all the way down to their bones, to tenderly nurse another’s wounds—internal and external—how to make homemade banana bread or a fresh batch of cookies that can feed a person’s soul even more than their belly, how to write thoughtful notes to remind others of how special they are, and so much more. My dad’s small hands have taught me how to use earthly tools to do heavenly work, to never be afraid to get my hands dirty because the world needs more dirty hands, that two hammers and a box of nails can build a home and strengthen relationships more than you can imagine, to always be ready to serve your neighbors, and how the value of hard work is a gift to your friends and family in a million ways.

Their hands have loved me fiercely and taught me how to use my own hands for God’s people. Their small hands have made a big difference in this world. God chose those hands to teach me his ways. I am more proud of my own hands now than I have ever been. They reflect both heaven and earth in a way I never truly saw before.

Remember, Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. We are only left with one simple question; how can we best use our gifts?

Lord, please help us use our hands to hug the lonely and feed the hungry. Use our eyes to see the hurting and broken. Use our ears to hear the cries of your people. Use our feet to run after righteousness and walk patiently with those in need of a friend on their journey. May we remember that you have a divine purpose for every finger and toe you have created, and use each one to lovingly serve you. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13 NLT)

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)

Reach for More

This week’s challenge is to use your hands for God each day. Write a letter to a friend or two, letting them know how special they are. Make a batch of cookies for your neighbors. Hug your kiddos extra tight and remind them how much you love them. Drop off some food at a local food pantry. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Whatever you do, remember that we are the hands and feet of Christ, which is a precious gift. If you want to take this challenge even further, then see how you can use your eyes, ears, and feet for God this week too!

Dear friends, we can do this. Be courageous, and let’s be brave enough to remember that we don’t have to have big hands to do God’s work. They just need to be open, outstretched, and ready to be used.

 

Sarah Lundgren has a passion for all things sparkly, loves God with her whole heart, and is known to love Starbucks chai lattes a whole lot, too. Sarah is currently snuggled in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan with her sweet hubby, J, and her full-time job is making pretty things all day long for her Etsy business, so sarah designs, but she also loves writing devotional content here at The Glorious Table.

Photograph © Bethany Beams, used with permission

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