Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others (Galatians 6:4 MSG).

I recall a conversation among cousins back in the day when we debated which parts of the body we would be and why. I don’t remember what everyone said or the reasoning given behind anyone’s choices, but I do remember one cousin proclaiming she would be the big toe. I still remember the vivid mental picture her proclamation brought to my young mind, as well as the thought that toes aren’t *that* important, so why would she choose to be a toe over a leg or arm or brain?

Fast forward approximately thirty years: I recently broke a pinky toe, and I can tell you exactly why and how toes are *that* important! Who would have ever thought that the smallest of toes could sideline a determined and active adult? Certainly not me, because here I am day three post break, and I’m officially down for the count.

The pinky toe: so small and so unassuming, yet so vital! 

The body is made up of a lot of different parts, big and small, and all have their “work.” One appendage generally can’t do the part of another, and if one part isn’t working properly it affects everything else. I am living proof: one small part of me is currently broken, and it’s thrown my entire life out of whack! I’ve had to alter the way I walk. I’m not sleeping well, because I’m worried about bumping the injured toe in my sleep. I can’t go to the gym until my toe heals a little more, and I can’t even enjoy walks with my dog in this beautiful fall weather. Everything is harder, and all because of the piggy that cried, “Wee wee wee wee all the way home!”

Each part of the Christian body is important, too, and when even a small part of the work isn’t done it affects everything else. It’s easy to think that what we have to offer to the Body doesn’t matter, but that’s not true! Each person and each contribution of time and energy are valuable, just as each part of our physical bodies are, and when all are working together the loads of all are lightened. 

I love how the Message translation says to “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.” If you already have an idea of the work you’ve been given, are you all in on doing that work? If you don’t know how you can contribute, ask God to give you an idea. You and your work are important to the Body of Believers!